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UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. 



RECOMMENDATIONS. 

The object of the Book of Prater by Rev. W. W. Everts is not 
to substitute forms of prayer for the spontaneous aspirations of a 
pious heart to God, nor to supply the appearance of devotion 
where there is an absence of its spirit. This would only encourage 
dissemblance in one of the highest and most sacred parts of religious 
worship ; but its aim is to foster, among professing Christians, the 
habit of private, family, and social prayer, and to aid them to draw 
from the inspired records themselves those rich forms of express- 
ion in which the desires prompted by the Holy Spirit may be ap- 
propriately and properly expressed. The design of the work will, 
doubtless, be generally commended and is indicative of the just 
and enlightened views of its author as to one of the most import- 
ant objects of pastoral industry. 

J. S. MAGINNIS, Prof, of Bib. and Past. Theol. 

T. J. CONANT, Prof of Hebrew, dtc. 
Rochester, Jan. 21st, 1852. 



I cordially unite with the above brethren in commending Brother 
Everts' forthcoming book on Prayer. 

T H. CONE, Pastor, First Baptist Church. 
New York, Sept. 25th, 1854. 

Having examined the plan and manuscript of the " Bible Prayer 
Book," I regard it as a very useful book. It is entirely catholic in 
its character, equally adapted to the use of members of all the 
evangelical denominations. It need, if properly used, have no ten- 
dency to formalism, but will, on the contrary, tend to enrich and 
diversify the devotions of pious people, and it may be made espec- 
ially useful to the young. TH. T. ARMITAGE, 

Pastor of the Norfolk street Church, J¥. Y. 



Rochester, Peb. 5th, 1852. 
Rev W. W. Everts — 

Dear Brother : — Having been favored with an opportunity to 
examine the manuscript of your forthcoming "Bible Prayer 
Book," we feel a pleasure in expressing to you our sentiments in 
regard to it, leaving you at liberty to make such use of what we 
communicate, as you may choose. In the course of our pastoral 
experience, we have had frequent occasion to observe, in how 
many ways, such helps as your Book provides, may be made of 
essential service. Neither can we doubt that in the exercises of 
private devotion it will be found highly useful to all who will 
faithfully apply it, according to its purpose and plan. If only it 
may lead ministers and private Christians to be more systematic in 
their secret devotions, and employ more time in serious meditations 
and the reading of God's Word, your labor will be richly fruitful 
of good. 

We assure you of our earnest approval of the object you have 



sought, and our congratulations, that the time and care and toil yon 
have bestowed, have been so well bestowed, and so successfully. Our 
prayers unite with your own, that this other offering of your hands 
to the cause of truth and practical piety, may be attended with an 
ample divine blessing. 

With sentiments of Christian regard, 

We remain your Brethren in the Lord, 

ZENAS CASE, Pastor of First Baptist Church, Ogden, N.Y. 

J. A. SMITH, Pastor, First Baptist Church, Rochester. 

W. G. HOWARD, Pastor, Second Baptist Church, Rochester, 



The plan on which this " Book of Prayer " is composed, strikes 
me as having decided advantages over any other with which I 
am acquainted. To any man called to lead the public or social 
devotions of others, however " gifted " he may be, it cannot but be 
useful to have his attention directed to the topics of petition and 
thanksgiving, specifically appropriate to each occasion. Were 
reflection on this point more common, and the means of instruc- 
tion more ample, we might witness a great improvement in the 
prevalent style of extemporaneous prayer, not only in richness and 
variety, but in the seemingly opposite qualities of pertinence and 
brevity : — a consummation, indeed, devoutly to be wished. 

When a Christian is constitutionally unfitted (as many true 
Christians are) to perform this sacred duty in public with ease and 
comfort to themselves, or edification to others, it will often prove 
a valuable aid to have at hand a collection of judicious forms, 
more exactly expressing his feelings than he himself could do, and 
which (with or without modification) he may appropriate and em- 
ploy. The plan of this work covers both of these classes of wants, 
and seems to be minutely and thoroughly carried out. 

J. H. RAYMOND, 
Prof, of Rhetoric and Belles-Lettres in the 
University of Rochester. 

A. C. KENDRICK, 
Prof, of Greek in the University of Rochester. 

University of Rochester, Jan. 17th, 1852. 



Having examined the manuscript and plan of the " Bible Prayer 
Book," I concur in the foregoing recommendations of it. 

J. S. BACKUS, Pastor, Twenty-third street Church. 



Dear. Brother, — Having seen the proofs of your " Bible Prayer 
Book," I most fully concur in the estimate which has been placed 
upon it by the above signature. P. F. JONES, 

Pastor of Lexington Av. Baptist Church, N. Y. 



I cordially concur in the above recommendations. 

SIDNEY A. CASEY, 
Pastor of the Fifth Av. Baptist Church, JSf. Y. 



THE 



BIBLE PRAYER BOOK 



FOR 



FAMILY WOESHIP, 



AND FOR OTHER 



PRIVATE AND PUBLIC OCCASIONS. 



By W. W. EVERTS, 

AUTHOR OF "BIBLE MANUAL," "PASTOR'S HAND-BOOK," ETC. 



^ 



: 



NEW YORK: 
IYISON & PHINNEY, 178 FULTON STREET; 

(SUCCESSORS TO NEWMAN & IVISON, AND M. H. NEWMAN & CO.) 

CHICAGO: S. C. GRIGGS & CO. 

BUFFALO: PHINNEY & CO. 

Cincinnati: moore, wilstach & keys, 
auburn: SEYMOUR & CO. 



£8 



Entered, according to Act of Congress, in the year 1854, by 

IVISON & PHINNEY, 

In the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the Southern District of 

New York. 



STEREOTYPED BY PRINTED BY 

THOMAS B. SMITH, J. L. TORREY, 

216 William St. N. Y. 16 Spruce Street. 



DEDICATORY PREFACE. 



To public teachers charged to commend religion, and in- 
vest its worship with due dignity, attractiveness and power : 
especially those often called to conduct the services of occa- 
sional meetings, associations and conventions ; to those called 
in the absence of public teachers to direct religious services 
in the army or navy, or merchant service, or in frontier set- 
tlements ; to heads of families who acknowledge the duty of 
parental religious instruction, and their responsibility as 
priests of their own households, and who study to diversify 
and render instructive and salutary family worship ; to those 
seeking preparation for the social duties of religion, from 
which they have been deterred by conscious ignorance, or dis- 
trust of their own experience ; and to all, who, in the retire- 
ment of the closet, in the family, or in the congregation 
would seek scriptural instruction, blended with appropriate 
devotional meditations, and expressions of exalted adoration 
and praise, this volume is respectfully inscribed by their 

Obedient servant, 

W. W. Everts. 



NOTE. 

The Author has availed himself of all the helps within his reach, to 
give to this volume completeness and form, and fulness and variety 
of matter. He has especially to acknowledge original contributions 
to its variety and excellence by Drs. Maginnis, Dewey and Kendrick, 
and by Revs. 0. B. Judd, R. Jerrard and W. G. Howard. 

His esteemed friend, Mr. Judd, has kindly superintended the issue 
of the work from the press. And by his careful proof reading, and 
tasteful criticism, we doubt not, many inaccuracies and literary 
blemishes have been avoided. 

W. W. E. 



Contents. 



PAGE 

Introduction 6 

Tables of direction for systematic reading of the Scriptures. 13 

PART FIRST. 

FAMILY AND CLOSET. 

1. Duty of worship — Scriptures. Hymn. Devotional Medita- 
tion 28 

2. Examples of worship. — Scrip., etc 29 

3. Institution of the family. — Scrip., etc. t 31 

4. Religious education of children. — Scrip., etc. 33 

5. Counsel to children. — Scrip., etc. 35 

DIVINE ATTRIBUTES. 

6. God omnipotent. — Scrip., etc 87 

1. God omniscient. — Scrip., etc 39 

8. God omnipresent. — Scrip., etc. 40 

9. God eternal. — Scrip., etc 42 

10. God beneficent. — Scrip., etc. 44 

11. God holy.— Scrip., etc. 46 

LORD'S PRAYER. 

12. God our Father. — Scrip., etc 48 

13. God's name hallowed. — Scrip,, etc 50 

14. God's reign contemplated. — Scrip., etc 52 

15. Providential care acknowledged. — Scrip., etc 54 

16. Forgiveness implored. — Scrip., etc 56 



Vlll CONTENTS. 

PA6B 

17. Temptations deprecated. — Scrip., etc 58 

18 God's sovereignty acknowledged. — Scrip., etc 60 

19. Decalogue. 62 

20. First commandment. — Scrip., etc 64 

21. Second commandment. — Scrip., etc 66 

22. Third commandment. — Scrip., etc 67 

23. Fourth commandment. — Scrip., etc 69 

24. Fifth commandment. — Scrip., etc 71 

25. Sixth commandment. — Scrip., etc 73 

26. Seventh commandment. — Scrip., etc 74 

27. Eighth commandment. — Scrip., etc 76 

28. Ninth commandment. — Scrip., etc 78 

29. Tenth commandment.— Scrip., etc 79 

SO. First great commandment. — Scrip., etc 81 

81. Second great commandment. — Scrip., etc 83 

BEATITUDES. 

32. Poor in spirit blessed. — Scrip., etc. 86 

33. Mourners. — Scrip., etc 88 

34. Meek.— Scrip., etc 90 

35. Hungering after righteousness. — Scrip., etc 92 

36. Merciful.— Scrip., etc 94 

37. Pure in heart. — Scrip., etc 97 

38. Peace-makers. — Scrip., etc 99 

39. Persecuted for righteousness' sake, blessed. — Scrip., etc 101 

40. Reviled. — Scrip., etc 104 

41. Sinfulness of man. — Scrip., etc , 106 

42. Condemnation of man. — Scrip., etc 108 

43. Restoration of man. — Scrip., etc 110 

45. Divinity and ministry of the Holy Spirit. — Scrip., etc 112 

46. Final happiness of the righteous. — Scrip., etc 114 

47. Final punishment of the wicked. — Scrip., etc 116 

48. Lord's Day morning. — Scrip., etc 118 

49. Lord's Day morning. — Scrip., etc. 119 



CONTENTS. IX 

PAGE 

50. Lord's Day evening. — Scrip., etc 121 

51. Lord's Day evening. — Scrip., etc 122 

52. Morning. — Scrip., etc 126 

53. Morning. — Scrip., etc 127 

54. Morning. — Scrip., etc 129 

55. Morning. — Scrip., etc 130 

56. Morning. — Scrip., etc 133 

57. Evening. — Scrip., etc 135 

58. Evening. — Scrip., etc 136 

59. Evening. — Scrip., etc 138 

60. Evening.— Scrip., etc 139 

61. Evening. — Scrip., etc 140 



PART SECOND. 
PUBLIC AND OCCASIONAL "WORSHIP. 

62. Dedication of a place of worship. — Scrip., etc 143 

63. Constitution of a church. — Scrip., etc 146 

64. Church discipline. — Scrip., etc 148 

65. Ordination of a pastor. — Scrip., etc 150 

66. Deacons. — Scrip., etc 153 

67. Baptism. — Scrip., etc 154 

68. Lord's Supper. — Scrip., etc 156 

69. Funerals and afflictions. — Scrip., etc 160 

70. Funerals and afflictions. — Scrip., etc 162 

71. Funerals and afflictions. — Scrip., etc 165 

72. Funerals and afflictions. — Scrip., etc. 168 

73. Charitable collections. — Scrip., etc 169 

74. Evangelical associations. — Scrip., etc 172 

75. Evangelical associations. — Scrip., etc. 174 

76. Missionary meetings. — Scrip., etc 177 

77. Missionary meetings. — Scrip., etc 179 



X CONTENTS. 

PAGE 

78. Bible meetings. — Scrip., etc 182 

79. Civic meetings. — Scrip., etc 185 

80. Civic meetings. — Scrip., etc 188 

81. Industrial meetings. — Scrip., etc 190 

82. Public thanksgiving. — Scrip., etc 194 

83. Public fast.— Scrip., etc 198 

84. Peace meetings. — Scrip., etc 201 

85. Temperance meetings. — Scrip., etc 203 

86. Meetings in behalf of the Jews.— Scrip., etc 206 

87. Meetings in behalf of seamen. — Scrip., etc 208 

88. Educational meetings. — Scrip., etc 212 

89. Meetings of the young. — Scrip., etc 215 

90. Female meetings. — Scrip., etc 218 

91. Musical conventions 221 



PART THIRD. 



BRIEF DEVOTIONAL MEDITATIONS FOR PARTICULAR 
OCCASIONS. 

92. Last evening of the old year 223 

93. First morning of the new year 224 

94. Christmas morning 226 

95. Christmas evening. 226 

96. Spring 227 

97. Summer. 228 

98. Autumn 229 

99. Winter . . . , 229 

100. Harvest 230 

101. Rain after long drought 230 

102. Fair weather after much rain 231 

103. Fair weather 231 

104. When a member of the family is sick 232 



CONTENTS. XI 

PAGE 

105. When a member of the family ia dangerously ill 232 

106. For recovery of a member of a family from sickness 233 

107. Upon the death of dear friends 234 

108. Contemplating a journey , 235 

109. Returning from a journey 236 

110. A friend at sea 237 

111. Return from sea. .. , 237 

112. Woman in travail 237 

113. Happy Deliverance 237 

114. A youth going abroad 238 

115. A youth going from home to school 238 

116. For children in ordinary circumstances 238 

117. For Sunday Schools 240 

118. For criminals in prison 241 

119. For criminals about to suffer capital punishment 241 

120. Before meat 243 

121. After meat 244 



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INTRODUCTION. 



NATURE AND IMPORTANCE OF RELIGIOUS WORSHIP. 

Religious worship is the homage due to the Supreme Being. 
Its obligations are universal. To withhold it is to overlook 
the most ennobling necessity of a created being, deny the ex- 
ercise of the highest instinct, the holiest institution of man's 
spiritual nature, and offer a greater violence to his constitution 
than the interdiction of the use of the lungs, the eye, the ear, 
the imagination, the judgment, or any other rational faculty. 
Idolatry itself is less irrational and disastrous to human well- 
being, than would be a commensurate reign of atheism. Idol- 
atry is but a misplacement of supreme homage — its bestow- 
ment upon some created being, some attribute, law, or organi- 
zation of matter — some object of utility, beauty, or grandeur, 
awakening the sensibilities or subserving the interests, passions 
or caprices of men. Thus mankind, instead of feeling the cen- 
tral attraction of the universe, and moving in appointed cir- 
cles around its great central and glorious luminary, lawlessly 
fly off to artificial centres of supreme regard, often crossing 
each other's orbits, and coming into disastrous collision. The 
peace, harmony and joy of earth can be restored, only as man 
universally returns to his true normal state of supreme hom- 
age to the only true God. Then the golden age shall be en- 
joyed, the lion shall lie down with the lamb, and the nations 



18 INTRODUCTION. 

shall learn war no more. Then shall the divided family of 
man be restored to the peace and fellowship of its great bro- 
therhood, and there shall be nothing to hurt or harm in all 
the habitable earth. Then shall appear the new heavens and 
the new earth wherein shall dwell righteousness, and peace, 
and joy forever. 

PRIVATE WORSHIP. 

Religious worship attains a three-fold expression in the 
closet, the family, and the congregation. Its earliest expres- 
sion is the homage of the individual soul awaking to a con- 
sciousness of its relations to the Deity, its sinfulness, and help- 
lessness, and glowing with intense aspirations for divine for- 
giveness, protection and blessing. 

Abraham worshiped God alone beneath the shadow of the 
grove of oaks which he planted in Beersheba. Alone Isaac 
walked in the field at eventide, for devotional meditation. In 
the solitariness of the desert Jacob wrestled in fervent suppli- 
cation at midnight. In the rocky caverns and concealed 
mountain retreats David called upon the name of the Lord. 
The Saviour often withdrew from the bustle of the town and 
the noise of the multitude to commune with his heavenly Fa- 
ther. At the hour of evening prayer Peter was alone on the 
airy roof of his sea side lodging ; and all in every age dis- 
tinguished for piety, have observed hours and consecrated 
bowers of secret prayer. 

A noble superiority to the temptations and passions of the 
world, exalted character, universal respect, and extended use- 
fulness, are the rewards openly bestowed upon those with- 
drawing often from the bustle and illusive scenes of life, to 
commune with their own hearts, and in distrust of their own 
wisdom and strength, to implore divine succor and guidance. 



INTRODUCTION. 19 

The primal g .-owth of virtue like that of the seed, is latent. 
In the closet is traced the unobserved germ which expands 
before all to the golden harvest. The nourishing deposit of the 
nut, is formed in the concealed recesses of an impervious shell. 
Beneath the unpromising bud, grow in delicate and untraced 
processes, the beauty and fragrance to be displayed, and ex- 
haled, before all. 

FAMILY WORSHIP. 

The form of religious homage next in order and importance, 
is family worship. The duty of parental religious instruction 
is frequently enjoined in the Scriptures. The assurance 
that he would instruct and command his children and his 
household after him, was the ground of special confidence in 
the father of the faithful. Hebrew parents were specially 
charged to instruct their children in religious duties. " Thou 
shalt teach them diligently unto thy children and shalt talk 
of them when thou sittest in thy house, and when thou walk- 
est by the way, when thou liest down and when thou risest up. 
(Deut. 6 : *7-9.) Joshua's immortal resurrection contemplat- 
ed the religious instruction and discipline of his family. (Josh. 
24 : 15.) Christian parents are charged to "bring up their 
children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord." (Eph. 6 : 

But apart from Scripture precept and example, the family 
is commanded by its peculiar constitution as an important 
auxiliary to the cause of religion. And while its intimate 
alliance, facilities for mutual instruction and assistance, are 
made available to the pursuit of secular education, of litera- 
ture and science, of arts and professions, of commerce and 
politics, shall they be denied to the incomparably more im- 
portant pursuits of religious duties, virtues and happiness ? 



20 INTRODUCTION. 

The family embraces incomparable facilities for imparting 
the instructions, applying the obligations, and illustrating the 
virtues of religion. The eyes of the teacher may ever be upon 
the pupil, example may ever illustrate didactic lessons, and 
endeariug mutual relations, invest exemplified lessons with 
peculiar authority. 

Religion reciprocates, and infinitely more than compensates 
the well directed patronage of the family. No where is the 
observance of its rules attended by greater reward, no where 
their violation by more baneful consequences. As its spirit 
obtains and its laws are observed the harmony, peace and 
fellowshirr~of the family are augmented. It reconciles dif- 
ferences, settles disputes, wipes out grudges, arrests the incipi- 
ent dispositions and breaks up the forming habits of evil. 
By its recurring pauses of the varied march of life, before the 
altar of God, it facilitates recovery from the increasing power 
of temptation, incipient apostacy, or iniquitous pursuits, wipes 
out the zeal of worldliness, fosters pure aspirations, and ele- 
vates the aims to a future life. By familiarizing the mind 
with appeals to the ultimate standard of truth and duty, it 
raises the most impassable bulwarks against incursions of false 
principles, maxims, and temptations of the world. It invests 
parental government with its highest sanctions, and greatest 
efficiency. It imparts to it impartiality, and restrains it from 
petulence, rashness, and violence, and tempers it with firmness 
and mildness. It wins upon the waywardness of youth, and 
conciliates higher respect for filial obligations. It quickens 
the impulses of duty, and kindles emulation for the rewards 
and honors of obedience and virtue. How many badly 
governed families the introduction of family worship would 
restore to order ! How many unhappy families to peace ! 

But to accomplish these purposes for the family, religion 



INTRODUCTION. 21 

must be honored in its domestic arrangements, her shrine eleva- 
ted conspicuously, and her memorials recurring frequently 
before the eyes of the household. Her altars must be erected 
by the hearth stone, to give elevation to the aims and dignity 
to the pleasures of the circle often gathering there, and to re- 
main a symbol of divine protection, and a talisman of hope 
amid the recurring adversities and sorrows of life, and a pledge 
of the future life, when that circle, broken here by death, may 
" meet no wanderer lost, a family in heaven." 

The excuses commonly urged for the neglect of family wor- 
ship, are not valid. Time may be found for the highest, if it 
can for the lower duties of the family. While time is allowed 
to innumerable inferior claims, and is wasted in vain pursuits 
and sinful indulgences, let it not be impiously denied to the 
pursuit of the approbation and blessing of heaven, and the 
hopes of immortality. Nor is the supposed want of gifts a 
sufficient excuse for the neglect of family worship. ~No higher 
order of gifts is required for this service than for various social 
entertainments, literary or political associations, in which those 
urging this excuse are found eagerly engaged. But if there 
were want of talents for extemporaneous worship, a resort to 
aids in devotion would be approved by all good men, as in- 
comparably better than the entire omission of the duty. All 
other excuses vanish with pride, and impose no barrier to an 
enlightened and earnest piety. 

SOCIAL WORSHIP. 

In addition to the worship of the closet and the family, is 
commended by both reason and revelation the worship of the 
congregation. As sin in its most essential forms is committed 
before all, it should be humbly and publicly acknowledged. 
As there is a common participation of the greatest blessings 



22 INTRODUCTION. 

of life, there should be a common celebration of gratitude. 
As religion is most impressively illustrated by example, it 
should be exemplified in its homage as well as its virtues be- 
fore all. As it is the source of the strength and beauty, the 
peace and happiness of society, every community should recog- 
nize its laws and sanctions and provide for the inculcation of 
its doctrines, the observance of its rights and the expression of 
its homage. In accordance with its reasonableness and pri- 
mary obligations, social worship is coeval with the race, and 
has been enjoined and exemplified under each succeeding dis- 
pensation. 

The Shekinah was instituted as a symbol of the divine pre- 
sence to guide the march and inspire the religious awe of the 
Hebrews in the wilderness. The temple was built in Jerusa- 
lem, to provide for the ordinary and occasional worship of the 
tribes. The synagogue was built as an auxiliary to this ser- 
vice. 

Under the Christian dispensation, the Christian chapel has 
succeeded to the place and attractions of the temple and the 
synagogue. Under the new dispensation, special promise is 
given to associated prayer. Frequent intercourse in social wor- 
ship remains characteristic of those fearing God, and believers 
are exhorted not to forsake the assembling of themselves toge- 
ther ; the homage of a worshiping assembly, comprehends all 
the features of the beauty of holiness, all the varieties of reli- 
gious experience, of penitence, of faith, of joy, of hope. Com- 
pared with private worship, it is as the associated beauty of 
the bed or garden of flowers, compared with that of the single 
rose. It is the harmony of innumerable songsters in the ver- 
nal woods, compared with the song of the lone bird. It is the 
blended devotion, penitence, homage, faith and joy of the tribes 



INTRODUCTION. 23 

assembled in the temple, compared with the lone Hebrew 
praying in the tent. 

The most important occasions of public worship are those 
contemplating the ordinary experience and wants of mankind, 
and therefore regularly recurring in the appointments of the 
Sabbath, and of social meetings during the week. But while 
we ought always to pray and in every thing give thanks, there 
is an obvious fitness in connecting special religious worship 
with particular occasions, as a funeral, ordination of a pastor, a 
meeting to promote the circulation of the Scriptures, the spread 
of the gospel, or any work of philanthrophy or reform. 

As there is no law regulating these occasional services, they 
may be properly extended or varied according to the impor- 
tance of the occasion, and the convenience or wishes of the 
worshippers. 

AIDS TO WORSHIP. 

As the homage of the heart is the essence of worship, the 
design of ordinances is to foster and express that homage. 
The Scriptures are a comprehensive liturgy, replete with the 
most suitable forms of worship. The Psalms of David are an- 
thems of praise, and prayers clothed in poetic expression, and 
set to harmony. The Lord's Prayer may be repeated by the 
true worshipper, in every age and in every part of the world, 
or taken as a model upon which all acceptable prayer must be 
framed. The extemporaneous order of worship enacted by a 
public teacher is as much a prescribed form to the congrega- 
tion as would be a printed liturgy. It is a help without which 
a large portion of the community would never approach an 
altar or cultivate religious sentiments. The most enlightened 
of all the evangelical denominations have never felt objections 
to the use of prepared helps and formulas, except as enforced 



24 INTRODUCTION. 

to restrict the true liberty of worship. While extemporaneous 
devotion should always be encouraged, and its right can never 
be surrendered to the imperious claims of liturgy, or priest- 
hood, without distrusting the teachings of the Spirit, or re- 
pressing the freedom and variety of devotion, the right of 
every worshipper to avail himself of helps to devotion is equal- 
ly unquestionable, if not equally important. We should not 
repudiate any means of grace because perverted by some, and 
ranked too high by others. Creeds have been perverted to 
minister to sectarianism, bigotry and persecution : but enlight- 
ened Christians do not on that account repudiate all confes- 
sions of faith. JNor should we renounce or undervalue just 
helps to worship, because liturgies have been made to minister 
to formalism and hypocrisy. They may direct in devotional 
meditations thousands of individuals and families, who with- 
out such ministries and guides would never turn their thoughts 
devoutly to heaven. Thousands religiously inclined, and in 
the judgment of charity really pious, restrained from family 
worship by the same diffidence which has kept them from the 
public profession of religion, encouraged by the approved use 
of such helps, would erect family altars, and record public pro- 
fessions of religion. 

Of the large class of church members who neglect family 
worship, many doubtless have been betrayed into their crim- 
inal neglect by sincere diffidence, and might be reclaimed from 
their delinquencies by being encouraged to avail themselves 
of the devotional meditations of eminent saints of the present, 
and of former generations, especially when taken in connec- 
tion with scriptural selections setting forth particular doctrines 
and duties of religion, and adapted devotional hymns. 

And even those who statedly observe private family and public 
worship, would derive material assistance from familiarity with 



INTRODUCTION. 25 

devotional aids. A suitable study of helps, would elevate and 
render more edifying and impressive family and public wor- 
ship, which too often runs in a rut of insipid and wearisome 
repetitions and formality. And in the army, navy, or mer- 
chant service or in frontier settlements, such helps are often 
the only means available for religious worship on the Sabbath, 
and even at funerals. 

PECULIARITIES OF THIS WORK. 

1. It provides for various important occasions of worship, 
which have sprung up in an age of religious enterprise and 
voluntary association not before discriminately provided for, 
as educational and agricultural conventions, temperance meet- 
ings, civic occasions, public thanksgivings, fasts, &c. &c. 

2. Its great variety and new form of scripture selections, 
provide for the due prominence of the word of God in occa- 
sional worship, present a compendious system of the doctrines 
and duties of religion, amplified and illustrated in the rich and 
incomparable phraseology of the Scriptures, (a scriptural cate- 
chism or creed) for instruction in the family and Sunday school. 
And the numerous citations of parallel passages confirming and 
illustrating the lessons drawn out, may render these doctrines 
at once themes of scriptural investigation and devotional me- 
ditation. 

3. The reciprocal adaptation of scriptures, hymns and 
prayers, gives a completeness of form, a fulness of instruc- 
tion, and an impressiveness to the several services, which com- 
mend it as a directory of worship. 

4. By abridging the list and length of prayers and hymns 
designed specifically for the family, we have confined the va- 
riety and length of services more nearly to the wants of family 
worship, and at the same time reserved larger space for topi- 
cal services, equally adapted to private, family, and social 

2 



26 INTRODUCTION. 

worship, and general didactic instruction. A dozen well 
chosen prayers may comprise a larger variety of devotional 
sentiment and language than obtains in the devotions or ex- 
perience of the most gifted person in a year. While shun- 
ning servile repetitions, and duly diversifying family and so- 
cial worship, we should avoid that ambitious and artificial va- 
riety, which taxes the invention and memory, entertains the 
imagination, and exercises taste and criticism by studied nov- 
elties of expression, instead of fostering that devotion, which 
being accordant with the tenor of experience must be partial 
to familiar forms. 



BIBLE PRAYER BOOK 



PART FIRST, 

PRIVATE AND FAMILY WORSHIP. 



I.— DUTY OF PRAYER. 



The Lord is nigh unto all them that call upon him : to all 
that call upon him in truth. He will fulfil the desire of them 
that fear him : he also will hear their ciy, and will save them. 
Ps. 145 : 18, 19. 

Ask, and it shall be given you : seek, and ye shall find : 
knock, and it shall be opened unto you. For every one that 
asketh, receiveth : and he that seeketh findeth : and to him 
that knocketh, it shall be opened. Or what man is there of 
you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone ? 
Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent ? If ye then, 
being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children : 
how much more shall your heavenly Father, give the Holy 
Spirit to them that ask him ? Matt. 1 : 7, 8, 9. Luke 11 : 13. 

If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth 
to all men liberally, and upbraideth not : and it shall be given 
him : James 1:5. 

Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for an- 
other, that ye may be healed : the effectual fervent prayer of 
a righteous man availeth much. James 5 : 16, 13. 

If I regard iniquity in my heart the Lord will not hear me. 
Ps. 66 : 18. 



28 BIBLE PRAYER BOOK. 

When thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou 
hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret, and 
thy Father which seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly. 
When ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do. 
For they think that they shall be heard for their much speak- 
ing. Be not ye therefore like unto them : for your Father 
knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him. 
After this manner therefore pray ye : Our Father which art 
in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy 
will be done, in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day 
our daily bread. And forgive us our debts as we forgive our 
debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from 
evil ; for thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, 
for ever. Amen. Matt. 6 : 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13. 

I exhort that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giv- 
ing of thanks be made for all men : for Kings and all that are 
in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in 
all godliness and honesty : for this is good and acceptable in 
the sight of God our Saviour. 1 Tim. 2 : 1, 2, 3. 

See also Luke 18 : 1-14. Tsa. 55 : 6. Matt. 7 : 7. Phil. 4:6. Ps. 55 : 17, 
86 : 5. Ps. 88 : 1. 1 These. 5 : 17. Ps. 10 : 17, 65 : 2. John 14 : 13, 14. 

L. M. 

From all that dwell below the skies, 
Let the Creator's praise arise, 
Let the Redeemer's name be sung, 
Through every land, by every tongue. 

From every stormy wind that blows, 
From every swelling tide of woes, 
There is a calm, a sure retreat — 
'Tis found beneath the mercy seat. 



PRAYER. 

Thou who art to be feared and had in reverence by all 
thy creatures ; help us to worship thee in the beauty of holi- 
ness. As we respect comparative excellence and authority in 
our fellow beings, may we reverence perfection and supreme 
authority in thee. Acknowledging the fulness of the reve- 
lation of thyself to the world, may we honor the Son in his 
mediation and mercy as we honor the Father, and receive the 
testimonies of the Spiiit in the scriptures and in the experiences 
of thy people, as the comprehensive revelation of the Triune 
Jehovah. 



PRAYER EXEMPLIFIED. 29 

May we walk with thee like Enoch. In the multitude of 
our thoughts and cares, may thy comforts daily delight our 
souls. While our hands are diligently employed in accus- 
tomed business, may our bosoms glow with fervent zeal to do 
thy will and advance thy kingdom in the earth. Whether we 
eat or drink, or whatsoever we do ; may we do all to thy glory ; 
remembering that the whole of life is but a prolonged stew- 
ardship, of which we must give account to thee. 

While we earnestly endeavor to render the homage of obe- 
dience and virtue, may we also find it good to draw nigh unto 
thee in the worship of the closet, the family circle, and of the 
great congregation. May we delight in the morning and 
evening sacrifice, and in the solemnities of the Sabbath. 
Whom have we in heaven but thee, and there is none upon 
earth that we desire besides thee. In thee may feeble virtue 
find sanction and reward ; weakness, succor ; ignorance, illu- 
mination ; sins, forgiveness ; and hope, fruition through our 
Lord Jesus Christ: in whose language may we ever pray, 
" Our Father who art in heaven," &c. 



n.— PRAYER EXEMPLIFIED. 



And Abram passed through the land unto the place of 
Sichem, unto the plain of Moreh. And he removed from 
thence unto a mountain on the east of Bethel ; and there he 
builded an altar unto the Lord and called upon the name of 
the Lord. Gen. 12:6, 8. 

Jacob was left alone, and there wrestled a man with him, 
until the breaking of the day. And he said, let me go for the 
day breaketh : and he said, I will not let thee go, except thou 
bless me. And he said unto him, What is thy name ? and 
he said, Jacob. And he said, Thy name shall be called no 
more Jacob, but Israel : for as a prince hast thou power with 
God, and with men, and hast prevailed. Gen. 32 : 24, 25, 26, 
27. Gen. 32 : 28. 

And Joshua gathered all the tribes of Israel to Shechem, 
and called for the elders of Israel, and for their heads, and for 
their judges, and for their officers ; and they presented them- 
selves before God. And Joshua said unto all the people, fear 
the Lord and serve him in sincerity and truth ; and put away 
the gods which your fathers served, on the other side of the 



30 BIBLE PRAYER BOOK. 

flood, and in Egypt ; and serve ye the Lord. And if it seem evil 
unto you to serve the Lord, choose you this day whom you 
will serve; but as for me and my house, we will serve the 
Lord. 

As for me, I will call upon God : and the Lord shall save 
me. Evening and morning, and at noon will I pray, and cry 
aloud: and he shall hear my voice. Ps. 55 : 16, 17. 

In the morning, rising up a great while before day, he 
(Jesus,) went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there 
prayed. Mark 1 : 35. 

When he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a 
mountain apart to pray : and when the evening was come, he 
was there alone. Matt. 14 : 23 

Peter was kept in prison, but prayer was made without 
ceasing of the church unto God for him. And behold, the 
angel of the Lord came upon him, and a light shined in the 
prison : and he smote Peter on the side, and raised him up, 
saying, Arise up quickly. And his chains fell from off his 
hands. Acts 12 : 5,1. 

We have not a high priest which cannot be touched with 
the feeling of our infirmities : but was in all points tempted 
like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly 
unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find 
grace to help in time of need. Heb. 4 : 15, 16. 

See also Gen. 19 : 20. 35 : 2, 3, 7. 2 Sam. 6 : 20. Job 1 : 5. Acts 1 : 13, 14. 
Acts 10 : 2, 16 : 25. 20 : 36. 21 : 5. Gen 32 : 9-12. Jud. 6 : 22. 36. 39. 1 
Sam. 1 : 10. 2. Sam. 7 : 18-29. 2 Kings 20 : 2, 11. 2 Chron. 33 : 18 19. Ezr. 
9 : 5, 6. Neh. 2 : 4. Jon. 32 : 16-25. Dan. 9 : 3. 17. Jon. 2 : 1. Heb. 1 : 2. 
Luke 2 : 37. Acts : 9 11. 40. 10 : 9. 30. Josh. 7 : 6-9. 1 Chron. 29 : 10-19. 2 
Chron. 6th chap. 20 : 5, 13. Neh. 9th chap. Luke 1 : 10. Acts 2 : 46, 4 : 24. 
12 : 5, 12. 8:1. 13 : 3. 16 : 16. 

7'S. 



At thy feet we humbly bow. 

O do not our suit disdain! 

Shall we seek thee, Lord, in vain? 



In thine own appointed way 
Now we seek thee — here we stay ; 
Lord, from hence we would not go 
Till a blessing thou bestow. 



PRAYER. 



O Lord thou alone art Jehovah — the Most High over all 
the earth — and the Euler of the Universe ! Angels and 



INSTITUTION OF THE FAMILY. 31 

Archangels veil their faces before "thee in homage and adora- 
tion ; all thy works praise thee, and thy name is excellent in 
all the earth ; thy saints bless thee and with adoring grati- 
tude proclaim thy name to succeeding generations. 

Imitating the example of patriarchs and prophets ; of apos- 
tles and martyrs ; and above all of our Lord Jesus Christ the 
great exemplar of human duty, may we offer to thee our 
bodies and our spirits a living sacrifice acceptable unto God, 
and our reasonable service. May we find a bower of prayer 
in whatever part of the earth we five ; rear an altar in our 
family-dwelling, however lowly or solitary ; and consecrate a 
Bethel in every place of our sojourn among men. 

May we be numbered with thy people, share with them 
thy partial providence in this world, and the inheritance re- 
served for them in heaven. May our habitation be blessed 
with those of the just, and not experience the revenging fury 
poured out upon the families who call not upon thy name. 

May the community where we shall dwell enjoy peace and 
prosperity ; our land become Emanuel's land ; and the whole 
earth be filled with the knowledge of God through our Lord 
Jesus Christ, in whose language teach us ever to pray, " Our 
Father,'' &<$., <fec. 



HI.— INSTITUTION OF THE FAMILY. 

The Lord God said, it is not good that the man should be 
alone. I will make him an help-meet for him. And the Lord 
God caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam, and he slept ; and 
he took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh instead thereof. 
And the rib, which the Lord God had taken from man, made 
he a woman, and brought her unto man. Gen. 2 : 18, 21, 22. 

And he answered, and said unto them, Have ye not read, 
that he which made them at the beginning, made them male 
and female ? And said, For this cause shall a man leave father 
and mother, and shall cleave to his wife : and they twain shall 
be one flesh. Wherefore they are no more twain, but one 
flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let no man 
put asunder. They say unto him, Why did Moses then com- 
mand to give a writing of divorcement, and to put her away ? 
He saith unto them, Moses, because of the hardness of your 
hearts, suffered you to put away your wives : but from the 



32 BIBLE PRAYER BOOK. 

beginning it was not so. And I say unto you, Whosoever 
shall put away his wife, except it be for fornication, and shall 
marry another, committeth adultery : and whoso marrieth her 
which is put away, doth commit adultery. Matt. 19 : 4-9. 

Marriage is honorable in all. Whoso findeth a wife, findeth 
a good thing, and obtaineth favor of the Lord. Wives sub- 
mit yourselves unto your own husbands as unto the Lord. 
For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the 
head of the Church : and he is the saviour of the body. 
Therefore as the Church is subject to Christ, so let the wives 
be to their own husbands in every thing. Husbands love 
your wives even as Christ also loved the Church, and gave 
himself for it. So ought men to love their wives as their own 
bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself. Heb. 13 : 4. 
Prov. 18 : 22, Eph. 5 : 22, 25, 28. 

See also, Gen. 3 : 16. 1 Cor. 11 : 3. Eph. 5 : 23. 1 Pe. 3 : 7. Eph. 5 : 25. 
Col. 3 : 19. Gen. 2 : 23. Mat. 19 : 5. Prov. 5 : 19. Mai. 2 : 14, 15. Gen. 2 : 
24. Matt. 19 : 3 9. 1 Sam. 1 : 8. Gen. 31 : 4 7. 1 Cor. 7 : 11, 12. 14. 16. 
Luke 14 : 26. Matt. 19 : 29. Gen. 24 : 3. 26 : 34, 35. 28 : 1. Tit. 2 : 4. Eph. 
5 : 33. 1 Co. 7 : 3. 5. 10. Gen. 3 : 16. Eph. 5 : 22, 24. 1 Pe. 3 : 1. 1 Cor. 
14 : 34. Rom. 7 : 2, 3. 

7's 

Father of the human race, 
Sanction with thy heavenly grace, 
What on earth hath now been done, 
That these twain be truly one. 

One in purpose, one in heart, 
Till the mortal stroke shall part ; 
One in cheerful piety, 
One forever, Lord, with thee. 



PRAYER. 

We thank thee for the institution of the ever-blessed ordi- 
nance of marriage to repress irregular passion, honor lawful 
affection, and, through well-ordered families, to transmit from 
age to age peace and concord, truth and virtue, religion and 
happiness. We thank thee that according to its beneficent 
design, it has been distinguished in every age as the reposi- 
tory of the most sacred faith, the tenderest affections, and the 
purest fellowship of mankind. It has been the most conge- 
nial home and the most powerful succor of justice and human- 
ity, of patriotism, philanthrophy, religion and happiness. As 
it has been instituted by thee in kindness to our race ; declar- 
ed to be honorable in all ; authorized and guarded under every 



RELIGIOUS INSTRUCTION OF CHILDREN. 33 

succeeding dispensation both by civil and divine law ; and 
sanctioned and honjpred in its observance by the presence and 
blessing of the great teacher and exemplar of human duty ; 
may it be universally received as the primary inviolable law of 
human association. While the institutions of men may change 
and pass away, may this divine ordinance abide in its purity 
and sanctity forever. May those united in its fellowship assist 
each other's duties, lighten each other's cares and enhance 
each other's happiness. May they, like Zachariah and Eliza- 
beth of old, walk before thee in all thine ordinances blameless- 
ly ; like Abraham, order their family after them in the fear of 
God ; and like Joshua, consecrate their house as a bethel to 
God. May they suitably instruct and admonish all residing 
under their roof, and train up their children in the nurture 
and admonition of the Lord; and at length through Jesus 
Christ our Lord, be, 

" Saved, no wanderer lost, 
A family in Heaven." 

Bless us in our social and civil, as well as in our domestic 
relations, and do for us far more abundantly above what we 
are able to ask or think, according to the power that worketh 
in us ; and supply our needs according to the riches in glory 
by Jesus Christ, in whose language may we ever pray, " Our 
Father, &c." 



IV.— RELIGIOUS INSTRUCTION OF CHILDREN. 

The Lord said, Shall I hide from Abraham that thing 
which I do ; seeing that Abraham shall surely become a 
great and mighty nation, and all the nations of the earth shall 
be blessed in him ? For I know him that he will command 
his children and his household after him, and they shall keep 
the way of the Lord, to do justice and judgment, that the 
Lord may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken 
of him. 'Gen. 18 : 17, 18, 19. 

When all Israel is come to appear before the Lord thy God, 
in the place which he shall choose, thou shalt read this law 
before all Israel in their hearing. Gather the people together, 
men and women, and children, and thy stranger that is within 
thy gates, that they may hear, and that they may learn, and 

2* 



34 BIBLE PRAYER BOOK. 

fear the Lord, your God, and observe to do all the words of 
this law : and that their children which l^ve not known any- 
thing, may hear, and learn to fear the Lord your God. Deut. 
31: 11, 12, 13. 

Set your hearts unto all the words which I testify among 
you this day, which ye shall command your children to ob- 
serve, to do all the words of this law. And thou shalt teach 
them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them 
when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by 
the way, and when thou liest down and when thou risest up. 
And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thine hand, and 
they shalt be as frontlets between thine eyes. And thou shalt 
write them upon the posts of thy house and on thy gates. 
Deut. 32 : 46. Deut. 6 : 7, 8, 9. 

The Lord said to Samuel, In that day, I will perform against 
Eli all things which I have spoken concerning his house : 
when I begin, I will also make an end. For I have told him 
that I will judge his house for ever, for the iniquity which he 
knoweth : because his sons made themselves vile, and he re- 
strained them not. 1 Sam. 3 : 11, 12, 13. 

Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is 
old, he will not depart from it. Chasten thy son, while there 
is hope ; and let not thy soul spare for his crying. The rod 
and reproof give wisdom : but a child left to himself bringeth 
his mother to shame. Prov. 22 : 6. Prov. 19 : 18. Prov. 
29 : 15. 

The just man walketh in his integrity : his children are 
blessed after him. The children of thy servants shall con- 
tinue, and their seed shall be established before thee. Prov. 
29 : 7. 

Ye fathers provoke not your children to wrath : but bring 
them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. Eph. 
6 : 4. 

See also Mark 10 : 13-16. 1 Sam. 1 : 24. Prov. 22 : 6. Deut. 22 : 22. 27 : 16. 

7's. • 

Lord, assist us by thy grace, 
To instruct our infant race ; 
Grant us wisdom from above, 
Fill us with a Saviour's love. 

Precious Saviour, hear our prayer, 
We commit them to tby care ; 
Be their shepherd and their guide, 
Bring them to thy bleeding side. 



COUNSEL TO CHILDREN. 35 



PRATER. 



O Lord, enable us like Abraham to command our children 
and our household after us, that they may in their generation 
keep the way of the Lord and do justice and judgment. May 
we diligently teach them all the precepts of thy will on the 
sabbath day, morning and evening, when we go out and when we 
come in, when we sit in our house and when we walk in the way. 
Let us not by our own unreasonable conduct or irritable temper 
provoke them to wrath, or cause them to be discouraged ; but 
by cherishing kindly affections toward them and exercising 
due lenity to their imperfections, may we grow in their filial 
confidence and love, devotion and obedience. 

But let us not like unfaithful Eli be betrayed by false sym- 
pathy into a neglect of just restraint, and by sparing the sever- 
ity of punishment, injure the character and promise of our 
offspring, and bring unavailing sorrow on our own heads. 
Forgive faults in the spirit and manner of our family govern- 
ment. Forgive our imperfect example before our children, 
and our want of earnest solicitude and effectual prayer for 
their temporal and eternal welfare. Let the promised blessing 
of Abraham's seed rest upon them, and let them never depart 
from the way of righteousess in which they have been taught. 
O Lord with thee are the issues of their lives ! May they be 
blessed and be made a blessing to their family, their country 
and the world, through our Lord Jesus Christ. Bless us also 
with them in all our relations and duties. And now unto him 
who is able to keep us from falling, and to present us faultless 
before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, to the 
only wise God our saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion 
and power, now and ever, Amen. 



V._COUNSEL TO CHILDREN. 



Come ye children, hearken unto me : T will teach you the 
fear of the Lord. Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips 
from speaking guile. Depart from evil, and do good. Ps. 
38 : 11-16. 

Thou shalt rise up before the hoary head and honor the face 
of the old man and fear thy God, I am the Lord. Lev. 19 : 
32. 



36 BIBLE PRAYER BOOK. 

Honor thy father and thy mother : that thy days may be 
long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee. 
Children obey your parents in all things, for this is well- 
pleasing unto the Lord. Hearken unto thy father that begat 
thee, despise not thy mother when she is old. The eye that 
mocketh at his father and despiseth to obey his mother, the 
ravens of the valley shall pick it out, and the young eagles 
shall eat it. Cursed be he that setteth light by his father or 
his mother : and all the people shall say, Amen. Exod. 20 : 12.' 
Col. 3 : 20 Prov. 23 : 22. Prov. 30 : 11. Deut. 17:16. 

And he (Elisha) went up unto Bethel : and as he was going 
up by the way, there came forth little children out of the city, 
and mocked him, and said unto him, Go up thou bald head. 
And he turned back and looked on them, and cursed them in 
the name of the Lord, and there came forth two she bears out 
of the wood and tare forty and two children of them. 2 Kings, 
2 : 23, 24. 

Enter not into the path of the wicked, and go not in the 
way of evil men. Take fast hold of instruction, let her not go ; 
keep her for she is thy life. Prov. 4 : 13, 14 

Remember now thy creator in the days of thy youth, while 
the evil days come not, nor the years draw nigh when thou 
shalt say I have no pleasure in them. Eccl. 12:1. 

Jesus said, suffer little children, and forbid them not to come 
unto me, for of such is the kingdom of heaven. I love them 
that love me and those that seek me early shall find me. 
Matt. 19 : 14. Prov. 8:17. 

See also. Deut. 30 : 2. Prov. 24 : 21. Prov. 1 : 8. 9 Heb. 12 : 9. Lev. 19 : 
3, Prov. 6 : 20. Eph. 6:1.1 Tim. 5 : 4, Lev. 19 : 32. 1 Pet, 5 : 5. 1 Sam. 
3:19. 2 Tim. 3 : 15. Prov. 28 : 7. Col. 3 : 20. Acts 2 : 39. Prov. 3 : 1-4. 
Eph. 6 : 2, 3. Gen. 46 : 29. 28 : 7. 47 : 30. Prov. 13 : 1. Gen. 45 : 9-11. 
47 : 12. 

CM. 

How happy is the child who hears 
Instruction's warning voice ; 
And who celestial wisdom makes, 
His early, only choice. 

According as her labors rise, 
So her rewards increase, 
Her ways are ways of pleasantness, 
And all her paths are peace. 

PRAYER. 

O God ! pour out thy Spirit upon our seed, thy blessing upon 
our offspring. As they advance in years, may they grow in 



GOD OMNIPOTENT. 37 

the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. Like 
Samuel of old may they hear the sroice of God, and devote 
themselves to his obedience ; like Timothy, may they from 
their childhood know the Holy Scriptures which are able to 
make them wise unto salvation. Preserve them from the 
snares of sin, and the perils of youth. May their lives be pro- 
longed and their health be precious in thy sight. May their 
minds be improved and stored with useful knowledge ; their 
manners accomplished and adorned with charity toward all 
mankind. May they be a blessing and comfort to their pa- 
rents and friends ; a blessing to their country ; and finally in- 
herit everlasting life through our Lord Jesus Christ, in whose 
language may they, and we, ever pray, " Our Father, &c." 



VI— GOD OMNDPOTENT. 



By the word of the Lord were the heavens made : and all 
the host of them, by the breath of his mouth. He stretcheth 
out the north over the empty place, and hangeth the earth 
upon nothing. He gathereth the waters of the sea together, 
as a heap : he layeth up the depth in store-houses. Let all 
the earth fear the Lord, let all the inhabitants of the world 
stand in awe of him. For he spake and it was done : he com- 
manded, and it stood fast. Psalm 33 : 6. Job 26 : 7. 
Psalm 33 : 7-9. 

I am the Lord and there is none else, there is no God be- 
sides me : I form the light, and create darkness : I make 
peace and create evil. There is none that can deliver out of 
my hand : I will work and who shall let it. Isaiah 45 : 5-7. 
43: 13. 

Who laid the foundations of the earth, that it should not be 
removed for ever. Thou coveredst it with the deep as with 
a garment : the waters stood above the mountains. At thy 
rebuke they fled : at the voice of thy thunder they hasted 
away. Psalm 104 : 5, 7. 

Canst thou by searching, find out God ? canst thou find out 
the Almighty unto perfection ? It is as high as heaven, what 
canst thou do ? deeper than hell, what canst thou know ? Be- 
hold he taketh away, who can hinder him ? who will say 
unto him, What doest thou ? I am the Almighty God ; walk 



38 BIBLE PRAYER BOOK. 

before me and be thou perfect. Job 11 : 7, 8. Job 9 : 12. 
Gen. 11 : 1. 

We give thee thanks, O Lord God Almighty, which art, 
and wast, and art to come, because thou hast taken to thee 
thy great power, and hast reigned. And I heard as it were 
the voice of a great multitude, and as the voice of many 
waters, and as the voice of mighty thunderings, saying, Alle- 
luia : for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth. Rev. 11 : 17. 
Rev. 19 : 6. 

See also Ex. 6 : 3. Gen. 1 : 1-20. Rev. 1 : 8, Ps. 104 : 1-7. Ps. 48 : 12 ; 13. 

C. M. 

Let the whole race of creatures lie 
Abased before thy throne : 
Whate'er his sovereign voice hath formed 
He governs with a rod. 

Above the earth, beyond the sky, 
Stands his high throne of majesty : 
Nor time nor place his power restrain, 
Nor bound his universal reign. 

PRAYER. 

Power belongeth O God, only to thee ! The strength of 
man and of the whole animal creation, the force of nature's 
laws, and of the whole material universe, are but emanations 
from thine omnipotence. Though thou hast created the ends 
of the earth, and reared the pillars of the universe, thou hast 
not been weary, nor thy power exhausted. Thou art yet able 
to accomplish all thy purposes, and none can stay thine hand 
or say unto thee, " what doest thou ?" How much less may 
man born of the dust, and crushed before the moth oppose 
thy will or question thy doings. The potsherds of the earth 
may strive with the potsherds of the earth, but wo ! to him 
that striveth with his maker. O God, while the wicked fear 
the strength of thine arm, may we stand in awe of thy power. 
Let not its almightiness be armed against us on account of 
unrepented and unforgiven sins ; but may it remain pledged 
to succor our weakness, defend us through the perils of life, 
and bring us to the habitations of the blessed in heaven. 
May we through the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ and the 
influence of the divine spirit, experience the blessed security, 
and the joyful experience of the man who hath the God of 
Jacob for his helper. In every act of virtue and beneficence, 
may thy people feel strong in thy strength, and earth and 



GOD OMNISCIENT. 39 

heaven rejoice that thou reignest. God, let principalities 
and powers of wicked men tear thee, and let thy people put 
their trust in thee and not be confounded. Let thy mighty 
hand and thy outstretched arm, bring them through the 
perils of the wilderness, to the Canaan of everlasting rest; 
through our Lord Jesus Christ, in whose language we ever 
pray, " Our Father, &c." 



VH.— GOD OMNISCIENT. 



Known unto God are all his works from the beginning of 
the world. Neither is there any creature that is not manifest 
in his sight : but all things are naked, and open to the eyes of 
him with whom we have to do. He that planted the ear, 
shall he not hear ? he that formed the eye, shall he not see ? 
he that teacheth man knowledge, shall he not know ? Acts 
15 : 18. JETeb. 4 : 13. Ps. 94 : 9, 10. 

The Lord looketh from heaven, he beholdeth all the sons of 
men. From the place of his habitation, he looketh upon all 
the inhabitants of the earth. His eys behold, his eyelids try 
the children of men. He knoweth the secrets of the heart. 
For the Lord searcheth all hearts, and understandeth all the 
imaginations of the thoughts. Ps. 33 : 13,14. Ps. 11 : 4. 
Ps. 44 : 21. 1 Chro. 28 : 9. 

The eyes of the Lord are in every place beholding the evil 
and the good. His eyes are upon the ways of man, and he 
seeth all his goings. There is no darkness, nor shadow of 
death, where the workers of iniquity may hide themselves. 
Prov. 15 : 3. Job 34 : 21, 22. 

O Lord, thou hast searched me, and known me. Thou know- 
est my down sitting, and mine uprising : thou understandest 
my thought afar off. Thou compassest my path, and my ly- 
ing down, and art acquainted with all my ways. For there is 
not a word in my tongue, but lo, O Lord, thou knowest it al- 
together, thou hast beset me behind, and before, and laid thine 
hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me ; it 
is high, I cannot attain unto it. If I say, surely the darkness 
shall cover me, even the night shall be light about me. Yea, 
the darkness hideth not from thee, but the night shineth as 
the day : the darkness and the light are both alike to thee. 
Psa. 139 : 1-12. 



40 BIBLE PRAYER BOOK. 

C. M. 

In all my vast concerns with thee, 
In vain my soul would try 
To shun thy presence, Lord, or flee 
The notice of thine eye. 

Thine all-surrounding sight surveys 
My rising and my rest, / 

My public walks, my private ways, 
And secrets of my breast. 

PRAYER. 

Thou who art in every place beholding the evil and the 
good, the knowledge of thine omniscience is too wonderful for 
us fully to comprehend. But grant us such a conception of 
it as will awaken a religious awe; consecrate every place 
where we kneel, a bethel ; and raise an impassable barrier 
against all approaches of sin. Though our sinful acts and 
thoughts may be unknown to men, may we remember they 
are open to the eye of him with whom we have to do. Though 
we hide ourselves among the crowds of men, or in the wilder- 
ness, or wear disguises of hypocrisy, thine eye is upon us and 
thou seest all our goings. There is no darkness or shadow of 
death where the workers of iniquity may hide themselves. 
May we walk before thee in a just apprehension of thine om- 
niscience, as children before their parents, as servants before 
their masters, in all the periods and circumstances of life. 
May we stand in awe of the certainty it gives the retribution 
menaced against sin and rejoice in the assurance it affords of 
protection to the weakest virtue. Deeds of charity and devo- 
tion unrecognized by men, thou dost acknowledge as a sacri- 
fice of sweet smelling savour. And thy favoring eye is on the 
most obscure of thy children and will guide him through de- 
vious paths of life to a city of habitation, to the general assem- 
bly and church of the first born whose names are written in 
heaven; to God the judge of all, and to the spirits of just men 
made perfect ; and to Christ the Mediator, in whose language 
help us ever to pray, "Our Father who art in heaven," &c. 



VHL— GOD OMNIPRESENT. 



Stand still, and consider the wondrous works of God. It 
is he that sitteth upon the circle of the earth, and the inhabi- 



GOD OMNIPRESENT. 41 

tants thereof are as grasshopers ; that stretcheth out the hea- 
vens as a curtain, and spreadeth them out as a tent to dwell 
in. Lift up your eyes on high, and behold who hath created 
these things, that bringeth out their host by number : he call- 
eth them all by names by the greatness of his might, for that 
he is strong in power ; not one faileth. When he uttereth his 
voice, there is a multitude of waters in the heavens, and he 
causeth the vapours to ascend from the ends of the earth ; he 
maketh lightnings with rain, and bringeth forth the wind out 
of his treasures. For, lo, he that formeth the mountains, and 
createth the wind, and declareth unto man what is his thought 
that maketh the morning darkness, and treadeth upon the 
high places of the earth, The Lord, The God of hosts, is his 
name. Job. 37 : 14. Isa. 40 : 22, 26. Jer. 10 : 13 Amos 
4 : 13. 

Hast thou with him spread out the sky, which is strong, and 
as a molten looking glass ? Hast thou entered into the springs 
of the sea ? or hast thou walked in the search of the depth ? 
Have the gates of death been opened unto thee ? or hast thou 
seen the doors of the shadow of death ? Hast thou perceived 
the breadth of the earth ? Declare if thou knowest it all. 
Where is the way where light dwelleth ? and as for darkness, 
where is the place thereof? Job 37 : 18, 38 : 16-19. 

Hell and destruction are before the Lord : how much more 
then the hearts of the children of men. Whither shall I go 
from thy spirit ? or whither shall I fly from thy presence ? If 
I ascend up into heaven, thou art there : if I make my bed in 
hell, behold thou art there. If 1 take the wings of the morn- 
ing, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea : even there 
shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me. 
Prov. 15 : 11. Psa. 139 : 7-10. 

Am I a God at hand, saith the Lord, and not a God afar 
off? Can any hide himself in secret places that I shall not 
see him, saith the Lord ? Do not I fill heaven and earth, 
saith the Lord ? Behold, the heaven and heaven of heavens 
cannot contain thee. Jer. 23 : 23, 24. 1 Kings 8 : 7. 

L. M. 

Within thy circling power I stand, 
On every side I find thy hand : 
Awake, asleep, at home, abroad, 
I am surrounded still with God. 

may these thoughts possess my breast, 
Where'er I rove, where'er I rest ; 
Nor let my weaker passions dare 
Consent to sin, for God is there. 



42 BIBLE PRAYER BOOK. 



PRATER. 



We adore thee as a God at hand, and not afar aff. Thou 
art not far from every one of us. Thou compassest our path, 
and our lying down. We cannot go from thy presence, or 
fly from thy Spirit. If we ascend into heaven thou art 
there ; if we make our bed in the depths of the earth, behold 
thou art there ; if we take the wings of the morning and dwell 
in the uttermost parts of the sea, even there shall thy hand 
lead us, and thy right hand hold us, that we cannot go be- 
yond thy presence. Linked to thy presence may our char- 
acters be assimilated to thine, so that in confidence and affec- 
tions of endeared companionship, we may w r alk with thee like 
Enoch, and commune with thee like Abraham and David. 
May we feel that thou art not present to mark and avenge 
our sins, crush our feebleness, and mock our hopes ; but to 
forgive our iniquities, succor our weakness, and fulfil all our 
desires. O ! impute not to us the sins committed against the 
majesty of thy presence, and cast not upon us daily the glan- 
ces of thine anger. O let us not perish beneath thy most 
dreaded frown ; but may w r e live through thy smile in the face 
of Jesus Christ our Lord. Bless us in all the relations of life, 
and remember us with the favor thou bearest toward thy peo- 
ple. Bless our kindred, and our country, and the world. And 
teach us to pray as we are taught, " Our Father, who art in 
heaven," &c. 



IX.— GOD ETERNAL. 



God said unto Moses I Am That I Am. And he said, 
Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel : I Am hath 
sent me unto you. The Lord God of your fathers, the God 
of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob 
hath sent me unto you : this is my name for ever, 
and this is my memorial unto all generations. I appeared 
unto Abraham, unto Isaac, and unto Jacob, by the name of 
God Almighty, but by my name of Jehovah was I not known 
to them. I lift up my hand to heaven, and say, I live forever. 
Ex. 3 : 14, 6 : 3. Deut. 32 : 40 

Thou O Lord, shalt endure forever : of old hast thou laid the 
foundation of the earth : and the heavens are the work of thy 
hands. They shall perish, but thou shalt endure, yea all of 



GOD ETERNAL. 43 

them shall wax old like a garment : as a vesture shalt thou 
change them, and they shalt be changed. But thou art the 
same and thy years shall have no end. Psa. 102 : 12, 25-27. 

Thy name, Lord, endureth forever : and thy memorial, 
O Lord, throughout all generations. Before the mountains 
were brought forth, or even thou hadst formed the earth and 
the world : even from everlasting to everlasting thou art God. 
For a thousand years in thy sight, are but as yesterday when 
it is past : and as a watch in the night. Psa. 135 : 13, 90, 2, 
4. 

I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith 
the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the 
Almighty. Rev. 1:8. 

See also Deut. 33 : 27. Rev. 4 : 8-10. 
C. M. 

Great God, how infinite art thou' 
What worthless worms are we ! 
Let the whole race of creatures bow, 
And pay their vows to thee. 

Thy throne eternal ages stood, 
Ere seas or stars were made ; 
Thou art the ever-living God, 
Were all the nations dead. 

PRAYER. 

Lord thou art the same yesterday, to day, and forever. 
A thousand years in thy sight are but as yesterday when it is 
past, and as a watch in the night. Man dies and wastes away; 
but thou changest not ; with thee is no variableness neither 
shadow of turning. be thou the refuge of thy people in 
all generations. While earthly scenes* and possessions are 
fading and transitory may we find repose in thine immutable 
counsel. While all that is mortal in human affection and in- 
terest must be swallowed up in the grave, may we seek a refuge, 
and life eternal in thine unchanging goodness. In thee may 
we lay up a good foundation against the time to come, lay up 
imperishable treasures, and cherish immortal friendships. 
From the weakness and woes of earth, we seek strength and 
eternal life in thee ! In thy word thou hast revealed thyself 
in every character and relation that can suit our necessities or 
encourage our hope. Thou hast regarded our souls as well as 
our bodies, and provided for the future as well as for the pres- 
ent life. Thou hast sent thy son into the world not to con- 



44 BIBLE PRAYER BOOK. 

demn the world but that the world through him might be 
saved. May we receive his doctrines, imitate his example and 
be saved by his death. 

If favored with prosperity may we be guarded against its 
snares, and use its advantages as not abusing them. If called 
to pass through afflictions may we be patient in tribulations. 
In whatsoever state we are may we be therewith content. 
Let our kindred be fellow heirs with us of the grace of life. 
Let our children be a seed to serve thee. May they be kept 
from the evils of this present state, and be made a blessing to 
us, to our country, and the world. We ask these mercies 
through our Lord Jesus Christ ; to whom with the Father 
and the ever blessed Spirit, we desire to ascribe all praise, 
power, glory, and dominion both now and forever, Amen. 



X.— GOD BENEFICENT. 



Moses said, I beseech thee show me thy glory. And he said, 
I will make all my goodness pass before thee, and I will 
proclaim the name of the Lord before thee. And the Lord 
passed by before him, and proclaimed, The Lord, The Lord God, 
merciful and gracious, long suffering, and abundant in good- 
ness and truth. Keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving ini- 
quity and transgression, and sin. Ex. 33 : 18, 19. 34 : 6, 7. 

Thou makest the outgoings of the morning and evening to 
rejoice. Thou visitestthe earth and waterest it : thou makest 
it soft with showers, thou blessest the springing thereof. Thou 
crownest the year with thy goodness. The Lord is good to 
all ; and his tender mercies are over all his works. Psa. 65 : 
8-11. 145 : 9 

The Lord upholdeth all that fall, and raiseth up all those 
that be bowed down. The eyes of all wait upon thee : and 
thou givest them their meat in due season. Thou openest thine 
hand and satisfiest the desire of every living thing. The earth is 
full of the goodness of the Lord. Psa. 145 : 14-16. 33:5. 

Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits, 
even the God of our salvation. O how great is thy good- 
ness, which thou hast laid up for them that fear thee : which 
thou hast wrought for them that trust in thee, before the sons 
of men. Psa. 68 : 19. 31 : 19. 

Bless the Lord my soul : and all that is within me bless 



GOD BENEFICENT. 45 

his holy name. Bless the Lord, my soui : and forget not 
his benefits : 'who crowneth thee with loving kindness and 
tender mercies. Who forgiveth all thine iniquities. For 
as the heaven is high above the earth : so great is his mercy 
toward them that fear him. As far as the east is from the 
west : so far hath he removed our transgressions from us. 
Like as a father pitieth his children : so the Lord pitieth them 
that fear him. Psa. 103 : 1-4, 11-13. 

God commendeth his love towards us, in that, while we 
were yet sinners, Christ died for us. For God so loved the 
world that he gave his only begotten Son : that whosoever 
believeth in him, should not perish, but have everlasting life. 
Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, 
and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Rom. 5 : 
8. Jno. 3 : 16. 1 Jno. 1 : 10. 

See also Ps. 25 : 8. 116 : 5. 86 : 5. Matt. 19 : 17 Neh. 9 : 35. Zech. 9 : 17. 

CM. 

God reigns on high, but ne'er confines 
His goodness to the skies ; 
Through the whole earth his bounty shines, 
And every want supplies. 

With longing eyes thy creatures wait 
On thee for daily food, 
Thy lib'ral hand provides their meat, 
And fills their mouth with good. 

PRAYER. 

Lord, thou art good, thou doest good, and thy tender 
mercies are over all thy works. Thou clothest the lily with 
beauty, hearest the ravens when they ciy, and daily open- 
est thy liberal hand, to supply the wants of every living thing. 
Thou art the father of the fatherless and the widow's God. 
Thou succorest the needy when he crieth, the poor also 
and him that hath no helper. Thou raisest up all that fall, 
and liftest up all that be bowed down, and increasest strength 
to them that have no might. Lord our Lord, how excellent 
is thy name in all the earth. Let the people praise thee let 
all the people praise thee for thy goodness and thy wonderful 
works to the children of men. While sharing manifold tem- 
poral blessings, let us not forget the riches of thy goodness, 
displayed in the gift of thy Son for the redemption of the 
world. While angels desire to look into the mystery of that 
unspeakable gift, let us not remain insensible of its value, and 



46 BIBLE PKAYER BOOK. 

importance to ourselves and our fellow men. And after survey- 
ing thy mercies, and being transported with the view, may we 
inquire what shall I render to the Lord for all his benefits. 
And taking the overflowing cup of salvation may we gratefully 
call upon thy name. May we be like thee in our beneficence 
toward our fellow creatures, do good to all men as we have 
opportunity, discharge all the duties arising from our several 
relations to our families, to the church of God, and the world ; 
and may the world be the better for our having lived in it. 
And bring us at length to the general assembly and church 
of the first born, whose names are written in heaven. Do for 
us exceeding abundantly above what we are able to ask or 
think, according to the power that worketh in us ; and supply 
all our needs according to thy riches in glory by Christ Jesus, 
in whose language we ever pray, "Our Father," &c. 



XI.— GOD HOLY. 

The Lord your God is God of gods, and Lord of lords, a 
great God, a mighty, and a terrible, which regardeth not per- 
sons nor taketh reward. Far be it from God, that he should 
do wickedness, and from the Almighty, that he should com- 
mit iniquity : For thou art not a God that hath pleasure in 
wickedness : neither shall evil dwell with thee. Thou lovest 
righteousness and hatest wickedness. Thou art of purer eyes 
than to behold evil, and canst not look on iniquity. 

Just and true are thy ways, thou king of saints. The Lord 
is righteous in all his ways, and holy in all his works. Behold 
he put no trust in his servants ; and his angels he charged 
with folly : yea, the heavens are not clean in his sight. God 
sitteth upon the throne of his holiness. Holy and reverend 
is his name. 

Thou art holy, thou that inhabitest the praises of Israel ! 
Who is like unto thee, O Lord, amongst the gods ? who is like 
thee, glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, doing wonders ! 
Who shall not fear thee, O Lord, and glorify thy name ? for 
thou only art holy : for all nations shall come and worship 
before thee. The Lord is our defence ; and the Holy One of 
Israel is our king. I will praise thee with the psaltery, even 
thy truth, O my God : unto thee will I sing with the harp, O 
thou Holy One of Israel. 



GOD HOLY. 47 

And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is 
the Lord of hosts, the whole earth is full of his glory. Deut. 
10 : 17. Job 34 : 10. Ps. 5 : 4. Ps.45 : 7. Hab. 1 : 13. 
Rev. 15 : 3. Ps. 145 : 17. Job 4 : 18. Job 15 : 15. Ps. 
47:8. Ps. 111:9. ^corfws 15 : 11. i&v. 15 : 4. Ps. 
89 : 18. P«. 71 : 22. P?amA 6 : 3. 

See also Ps. 99 : 9, Isa. 5 : 16 

CM. 

Holy and reverend is the name 
Of our eternal King 5 
Thrice holy Lord ! the angels cry ; 
Thrice holy ! let us sing. 

Thou, holy God ! preserve my soul 
From all pollution free ; 
The pure in heart are thy delight, 
And they thy face shall see. 

PRAYER. 

O Lord, enable us to approach into thy presence admiring 
thy wisdom, standing in awe of thy power, praising thy bene- 
ficence, and abasing ourselves in deepest humility before 
thy holiness. Holy and reverend is thy name. 

The heavens are unclean in thy sight, and the angels are 
charged with folly, and no beings which thou hast made are 
worthy in themselves to enter into fellowship with thee. Much 
less may man presume upon equal purity or worthiness with 
God. Thou art of purer eyes than to look upon iniquity with 
allowance. Thou hast no pleasure in wickedness, and evil 
shall not dwell with thee, and without holiness no man shall 
see thee in peace. Wherewithal then shall we who are vile 
appear before thee. We plead not for our own righteousness, 
but for thy great name's sake. Hear us, and accept us in the 
beloved. May he be made unto us wisdom and righteousness, 
sanctification and redemption. And while he becomes to us 
the end of the law for righteousness by faith ; through the aids 
of his grace and example, and the helpful influences of the 
Holy Spirit, may the righteousness of the law be fulfilled in 
us who walk not after the flesh but after the Spirit. May we 
instinctively shrink from every approach of sin, and carefully 
avoid even the appearance of evil. Enable us to preserve a con- 
science void of otfence, rising to higher duties and higher enjoy- 
ments, and walking with thee in our daily pursuits like Enoch 
of old. Aid us in the discharge of all our duties, and the wise 



48 BIBLE PRAYER BOOK. 

improvement of all our privileges. Bless our family and all 
our kindred with needful temporal and spiritual mercies. Bless 
the community in which we dwell, and our country in all its 
inhabitants, and departments of government. May it be Im- 
manuel's land, a dwelling place of righteousness. Bless the 
whole brotherhood of mankind, and help us ever to pray, " Our 
Father, 7 ' &c. 



XII.— GOD OUR FATHER. 



Our Father which art in heaven ; hallowed by thy name. 

Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in 
heaven. 

Give us this day our daily bread. 

And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. 

And lead us not into temptation ; but deliver us from evil : 
for thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for 
ever. Amen. Matt. 6 : 9-13. 

To us there is but one God, the father, of whom are all 
things, and we by him. In him we live, and move, and have 
our being ; we are also his offspring. 

Doubtless thou art our Father, though Abraham be igno- 
rant of us, and Israel acknowledge us not, thou, Lord, art 
our Father. Blessed be thou, Lord God of Israel, our father, 
for ever and ever. 

A father of the fatherless, and a judge of the widows, is 
God in his holy habitation. He hath looked down from the 
height of his sanctuary : from heaven did the Lord behold the 
eartfr: to hear the groaning of the prisoner : to loose those 
that are appointed to death. He raiseth up the poor out of 
the dust : and lifteth the needy out of the dunghill. The Lord 
upholdeth all that fall, and raiseth up all those that be bowed 
down. The Lord is good to all : and his tender mercies are 
over all his works. Like as a father pitieth his children : so 
the Lord pitieth them that fear him. It is he that hath made 
us, and not we ourselves : we are his people, and the sheep of 
his pasture. 1 Cor. 8 : 6. Acts 17 : 28. Isaiah 63 : 16. 
1 Chro. 29 : 10. Ps. 68 : 5. Ps. 102 : 19, 20. * Ps. 113 : 
1. Ps. 145 : 14-9. Ps. 103 : 13. Ps. 100 : 3. 

A son honoreth his father ; if then I be a father where is 
my honor ? 



GOD OUR FATHER. 49 

As many as are led by the spirit of G-od, they are the sons 
of God. Ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby 
we cry, Abba, Father. 

Now unto God and our Father, be glory for ever and ever. 
Amen. Mai. 1 : 6. Rom. 8 : 14, 15. Phil. 4 : 20. 

Sec also Ex. 34 : 6. 7. Ps. 80 : 5- 2 Kings 13 : 23. Isa. 1 : 2. Jer. 31 : 9. 
Mai. 2 : 10. Rom. 4 ': 11. 1 Pet. 1 : 3. Eph. 1 : 3. Heb. 1:5. Matt. 5 : 16. 

CM. 

Eternal Father, God of love ! 
To thee our hearts we raise, 
Thy all sustaining power we prove 
And gladly sing thy praise. 

Thine, wholly thine, we want to be } 
Our sacrifice receive ; 
Made, and preserved, and saved by thee, 
To thee ourselves we give. 

PRAYER. 

O Lord, our God, doubtless thou art our Father though 
Abraham be ignorant of us, and Israel acknowledge us not 
Enable us humbly to claim and gratefully acknowledge this 
endearing relationship. May we appreciate its protection and 
promise. Who can harm a child of heaven or estimate the 
riches and glory of his heirship. Though in our sins we have 
wandered prodigals from our father's house, and alienated our 
paternal inheritance, we rejoice that thine arms are opened to 
receive returning prodigals ; and thousands restored to their 
heirship and honor, look up to thee and exclaim with renewed 
filial affection and devotion, "Abba, Father." Let that spirit 
of adoption and of restored affection dwell in our hearts ever 
more ; and may we exclaim with wondering gratitude, " Be- 
hold what manner of love the father hath bestowed upon us, 
that we should be called the children of God. And if chil- 
dren, then heirs, heirs of God, and joint heirs with Jesus Christ 
to an inheritance undefiled and that fadeth not away, reserved 
in heaven for us. As thou hast added another day to the 
period of our lives and of thy mercies, give us grace to dis- 
charge its duties faithfully, and enjoy its blessings gratefully. 
Create in us a clean heart, and renew a right spirit within us. 
Let us not offend in word or deed. May we be contented 
with our lot, rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with 
those who weep. Prepare us for the night of death, the 
morning of the resurrection, and the day of judgment, through 

3 



50 BIBLE PRAYER BOOK. 

our Lord Jesus Christ ; in whose language we ever pray, 
" Our Father who art in heaven." 



XHL— GOD'S NAME HALLOWED. 

The Lord your God is God of gods, and Lord of lords, a 
great God, a mighty, and a terrible. Who is like unto thee, 
O Lord, among the gods ? who is like unto thee, glorious in 
holiness, fearful in praises, doing wonders ! Thou, even thou 
art Lord alone, thou hast made the heaven, the heaven of hea- 
vens, with all their host, the earth, and all things that are 
therein, and thou preservest them all, and the host of heaven 
worshippeth thee. Thou art holy, O thou that inhabitest the 
praises of Israel ! 

God sitteth upon the throne of his holiness. Holy and rev- 
erend is his name. I saw the Lord sitting upon a throne 
high and lifted up, and his train filled the temple. And one 
cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord of 
hosts, the whole earth is full of his glory. 

Who shall not fear thee, Lord, and glorify thy name % 
for thou only art holy : all nations shall come and worship 
before thee. 

If ye will not hear, and if ye will not lay it to heart, to give 
glory unto my name, saith the Lord of hosts : I will even send 
a curse upon you, and will curse your blessings. Give unto 
the Lord, ye kindreds of the people : give unto the Lord glory 
and strength. Eemember that thou magnify his work, which 
men behold. Deut. 10 : 17. Exod. 15: 11. Neh. 9 : 6. 
Ps. 22 : 3. Ps. 47 : 8. Ps. Ill : 9. Isaiah 6 : 1-3. Rev. 
15 : 4. Mai. 2:2. 1 Chro. 16 : 28. Job. 36 : 24. 

God is greatly to be feared in the assembly of the saints : 
and to be had in reverence of all them that are about him. 
O come, let us worship and bow down : let us kneel before 
the Lord our Maker. For he is our God, and we are the peo- 
ple of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand. 

Let my mouth be filled with thy praise and with thy honor 
all the day. Hallowed be thy name. Ps. 89 : 7. 95 : 6, 7. 
71 : 8. Matt. 6 : 9. 

See also Ps. 29 : 2 66 : 4. 96 : 9. Rev. 3 : 9. 



GOD'S NAME HALLOWED. 51 



L. M. 



Wide as his vast dominion lies, 
Make the Creator's name be known ; 
Loud as his thunder shout his praise, 
And sound it lofty as his throne. 

Jehovah ! 'tis a glorious word, 

O may it dwell on every tongue ! 

But saints who best have known the Lord, 

Are bound to raise the noblest song. 

P RATER. 

Lord when we consider the heavens and the immensity 
of the material universe, the works of thy hand, the sun, moon, 
and stars which thou hast ordained, we are led to exclaim in 
humility, what is man in his weakness and insignificance that 
thou art mindful of him, and dost reveal thyself to him as the 
ojbect of his supreme homage, adoration and promise ! While 
angels and archangels veil themselves before thee, crying holy, 
holy is the Lord God of hosts, and the wmole earth is full of 
thy goodness, thy power and thy glory, may we ever stand in 
awe of thee. And as thou art justly to be feared and had in 
reverence by all the hierarchies of heaven about thee, may we 
ever hallow thy name in our hearts and on our lips. May we 
reverence thine authority, thy sabbath and thy laws. May 
we never repeat thy dread name to sanction falsehood, nor in 
foolish levity or profane swearing, nor in hypocritical or mere 
formal worship. May thoughts of thy power and thy be- 
neficence, thine omniscience and thy justice, thy holiness 
and thy glory, ever inspire us with that awe and reverence 
which are the beginning of worship. And may thy name be 
great in the earth, and be feared by all people. Let all the 
inhabitants of the world, turn from their idolatrous devotion 
to gods which they have made, to worldly possessions, and to 
the persons of men, and know that thou alone art the Most 
High over all the earth, and thou alone art to be feared and 
had in reverence among the sons of men. 

O Lord help us to admire all thy perfections, obey all thy 
laws. Give us grace to love thee with all our hearts and our 
neighbor as ourselves, and may we ever pray, " Our Father," 
&c. 



52 BIBLE PRAYER BOOK. 



XIV.— GOD'S REIGN CONTEMPLATED. 

The Lord is our judge, the Lord is our lawgiver, the Lord 
is our king. The Lord shall reign for ever, even thy God, O 
Zion, unto all generations. All the ends of the world shall 
remember, and turn unto the Lord : and all the kindreds of 
the nations shall worship before thee. 

In the last days it shall come to pass, that the mountain of 
the house of the Lord shall be established in the top of the 
mountains, and it shall be exalted above the hills, and people 
shall flow unto it. And many nations shall come, and say : 
Come, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, and to 
the house of the God of Jacob, and he will teach us of his 
ways, and we will walk in his paths : for the law shall go 
forth of Zion, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem. 
And the kingdom, and dominion, and the greatness of the 
kingdom under the whole heaven, shall be given to the peo- 
ple of the saints of the Most High, whose kingdom is an ever- 
lasting kingdom, and all dominions shall serve and obey him. 
For the earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the glory 
of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea. 

Then judgment shall dwell in the wilderness, and righteous- 
ness remain in the fruitful field. And the work of righteous- 
ness shall be peace ; and the effect of righteousness, quietness, 
and assurance for ever. Violence shall no more be heard in 
thy land, wasting nor destruction within thy borders, but thou 
shalt call thy walls salvation and thy gates praise. The sun 
shall be no more thy light by day, neither for brightness shall 
the moon give light unto thee : but the Lord shall be unto 
thee an everlasting light, and thy God thy glory. For from 
the rising of the sun, even unto the going down of the same, 
my name shall be great among the Gentiles, and in every 
place, incense shall be offered unto my name and a pure of- 
fering : for my name shall be great among the heathen, saith 
the Lord of hosts. Isaiah 33 : 22. Ps. 146 : 10. Ps. 22 : 
2V. Micah 4 : 1, 2. Pan. 7 : 27. Hob. 2 : 14. Isaiah 32 : 
16, 17. Isaiah 60 : 18-21. 

See also Isa. 2 : 2. Ezek. 17 : 22-24. Dan. 2 : 34, 35. 

L. M. 

Thy kingdom come ! haste the time, 
"When all shall bow before thy throne ; 
When every nation, every clime, 
Shall thy supreme dominion own. 



GOD'S REIGN CONTEMPLATED. 53 

Thy will be done on earth, Lord ! 
As it is done in heaven above ; 
Where angel-hosts perform thy word, 
With holy zeal and ardent love. 

PRATER. 

God we thank thee, that thou hast made known thy will 
respecting thy creatures. We praise thee that thy kingdom, 
coeval with thy being, and revealed under succeeding dispen- 
sations has been confided in its last and most glorious econo- 
my to him who is declared to be King of kings and Lord of 
lords. And that thou hast promised that his kingdom shall 
be an everlasting kingdom and to his dominion there shall be 
no end ; that he shall reign till all enemies are put under his 
footstool and the universe restored to a peaceful and happy sub- 
jection to thy will. Encouraged by the revelation of thy pur- 
pose, thy promise, and thine oath, in all our approaches to thee 
we plead that thy kingdom may come ; that its standard may 
be raised in every part of the earth, and its peaceful banner 
wave over individual after individual, family after family, tribe 
after tribe, and nation after nation made subject to it ; till thy 
will shall be done on earth as universally and as perfectly as 
it is in heaven. How long shall the principalities and powers 
of earth oppose the rule of heaven ? How long shall the will 
of man contravene the laws of God ? How long shall the 
kings of the earth, in their pride and presumption set them- 
selves, and rulers take counsel together, against the Lord, 
and against the progress of the kingdom of justice, righteous- 
ness and peace in the earth ? How 7 long shall the myriad pop- 
ulation of earth, in their ignorance, depravity, and impatience 
of divine obligations, exclaim, " Let us break their bonds asun- 
der and cast away their cords from us ?" How long shall they 
cry out in their irreligion and their blasphemy, " Who is the 
Almighty that we should serve him ? " " Cause the Holy one 
of Israel to cease from before us ? " " We will not have him 
to reign over us ? " O Lord, as thou hast thought, so let it 
come to pass ; and as thou hast purposed, let it stand. May 
thy providences aid the triumphs of thy moral government. 
Turn and overthrow, till he whose right it is shall reign. Break 
in pieces as a potter's vessel the opposing powers and hierar- 
chies of earth. Shake the heavens and the earth, till only the 
things appointed by thee and which cannot be shaken, shall 
remain. May the wrath of man praise thee ; the earth help 
the woman ; and the cross of Christ achieve its conquests in 



54 BIBLE PRAYER BOOK. 

all lands, till the creatures of the kingdoms of the whole earth, 
be given to the people of the saints of the most high God ; 
and the principalities of earth and the hierarchies of the uni- 
verse shall join in the coronation of the Messiah in his glo- 
rious equality and essential unity with the Father and the 
ever blessed Spirit, and ascribe dominion and power and glory 
to the triune God forever and ever. " Our Father," &c. 



XV.— PROVIDENTIAL CARE ACKNOWLEDGED. 

Thou art good, and doest good. Thou makest the outgo- 
ings of the morning and evening to rejoice. Thou visitest the 
earth and waterest it : thou makest it soft with showers, thou 
blessest the springing thereof. Thou crownest the year with 
thy goodness : and thy paths drop fatness. They drop upon 
the pastures of the wilderness : and the little hills rejoice on 
every side. The pastures are clothed with flocks : the valleys 
are covered over with corn. 

The earth is full of the goodness of the Lord. The Lord is 
good to all : and his tender mercies are over all his works. 
He causeth grass to grow for the cattle, and herb for the ser- 
vice of man : that he may bring forth food out of the earth : 
and wine that maketh glad the heart of man, and oil to make 
his face to shine : and bread which strengtheneth man's heart. 

The young lions roar after their prey : and seek their meat 
from God. That thou givest them, they gather : thou open- 
est thine hand, they are filled with good. O Lord, thou pre- 
servest man and beast. The eyes of all wait upon thee : and 
thou givest them their meat in due season. Thou openest 
thine hand, and satisfiest the desire of every living thing. 

If any man lack wisdom, let him ask of God, who giveth to 
all men liberally, and upbraideth not : and it shall be given 
him. 

My prayer is unto thee ; O Lord, in an acceptable time : 
O God, in the multitude of thy mercies hear me. According 
unto the multitude of thy tender mercies, blot out my trans- 
gressions. Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity, and 
cleanse me from my sin. 

Blessed be God which hath not turned away my prayer, nor 
his mercy from me. Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth 
us with his benefits, even the God of our salvation. Ps. 119 : 



PROVIDENTIAL CARE ACKNOWLEDGED. 55 

68. Ps. 65 : 8-13. Ps. 33 : 5. Ps. 145 : 9. Ps. 104 : 
14-28. Ps. 36 : 6. Ps. 145 : 15, 16. Jas. 1 : 5. Ps. 
69: 13. 57: ll 66: 20. 68: 19. 

C. M. 

When all thy mercies, my God, 
My rising soul surveys, 
Transported with the view, I'm lost 
In wonder, love, and praise ! 

My life, my joy, my hope, I owe 
To this amazing love ; 
Ten thousand thousand comforts here, 
And nobler bliss above. 

PRAYER. 

O Lord, we adore thy wonderful providence ! myriads of 
creatures visible to us, and myriads more invisible, in the 
earth, the sea and the air, wait upon thee and thou givest them 
their meat in due season, thou openest thy hand and satisfiest 
the desire o f every living thing. While giving to the beast 
his food, and to the young ravens which cry, thou art display- 
ing richer bounty toward man, whom thou hast set over the 
lower order of thy creatures. Thou crownest his years with 
mercies, and daily load est him with benefits, thou preservest 
to him the order of the seasons with their returning harvests 
and golden fruits. He cannot prolong his own life, or guard 
his family, or give success to his skill and industry without 
thee. The rich and the poor, the strong and the weak, alike 
depend on thee. While we deprecate poverty and want with 
their sufferings and temptations, we would not seek great 
things for ourselves, lest we be full and deny thee, and lose 
sympathy with those of humbler lot. Having food and rai- 
ment may we learn therewith to be content. Or if our posses- 
sions are enlarged may we use them with moderation, remem- 
bering that we must give account of our stewardship. While 
we pray for daily bread may we be found practising that in- 
dustry, frugality, and economy to which affluence or compe- 
tence is promised. While using the appointed means of sup- 
ply may we never take anxious thought for the morrow, say- 
ing, what shall we eat or what shall we drink, or wherewithal 
shall we be clothed. May we feel assured that, if thou feedest 
the fowls, though they sow not, and clothest the grass with 
beauty, which tomorrow may be cast into the oven, and adorn- 
est the lilly, without its own agency, thou wilt much more 



56 BIBLE PRAYER BOOK. 

clothe and feed us. And may we remember that man cannot 
live by bread alone, that his life does not consist in the abun- 
dance of the things he possesses. Provide for our souls as 
well as our bodies. May we enjoy thy favor which is life, and 
thy loving- kindness which is better than life. May we pos- 
sess thy blessing which sweetens the cup of prosperity, removes 
the bitterest dregs from the cup of adversity, makes rich and 
adds no sorrow. Enable us ever to feel, that, 

" Without thee we are poor, give us what thou wilt ; 
With thee rich, take what thou wilt away." 



XVI.— FORGIVENESS IMPLORED. 

O Lord, the great and dreadful God, keeping the covenant 
and mercy to them that love him, and to them that keep his 
commandments : we have sinned, and have committed iniquity, 
and have done wickedly, and have rebelled, even by departing 
fi'om thy precepts, and from thy judgments. There is none 
that doeth good, no, not one. 

Have mercy upon me, O Lord, according to thy loving 
kindness : according to the multitude of thy tender mercies, 
blot out my transgressions. Remember, O Lord, thy tender 
mercies, and thy loving kindnesses : for they have been ever 
of old. Remember not the sins of my youth, nor my trans- 
gressions: according to thy mercy remember thou me, for 
thy goodness' sake, O Lord. Blessed is he whose transgres- 
sion is forgiven, whose sin is covered. Blessed is the man 
unto whom the Lord imputeth not iniquity : who forgiveth 
all thine iniquities. Dan. 9 : 4, 5. Rom. 3 : 12. 1 Kings, 
8 : 39. Ps. 86 : 5. Ps. 51 : 1. Ps. 25 : 6, 1. 

When ye stand, praying, forgive if ye have aught against 
any : that your Father also which is in heaven, may forgive 
you your trespasses. But if you do not forgive, neither will 
your Father which is in heaven, forgive your trespasses. 

Be ye kind one to another, tender hearted, forgiving one 
another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you. 
Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and 
a Saviour : for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of 
sins. In whom we have redemption through his blood, the 
forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace. Ps. 



FORGIVENESS IMPLORED 57 

32 : 1, 2. Ps. 103 : 3. Luke 6 : 37. Mark 11 : 25, 26. 
E'ph. 4 : 32. .^cte 5 : 31. ^A. 1 : 7. 

See also Dan. 9 : 5. Matt. 6 : 14, 15. 

L. M. 

Forgive us Lord, to thee we cry, 
Forgive us through thy matchless grace ; 
On thee alone our souls rely, 
Be thou our strength and righteousness. 

Forgive us Lord, as we forgive 
The ills we suffer from our foes; 
Restore us, Lord, and bid us live ; 
Oh ! let us in thine arms repose. 

PRAYER. 

Lord, while we daily plead for the supply of our wants, 
we would also acknowledge daily our sins. May we duly 
consider how often we offend against thee in our deeds, our 
words, and in our thoughts. Shouldst thou be strict to mark 
iniquity against us, we could not answer for one of a thous- 
and of our faults. They rise over us like dark clouds obscu- 
ring the light of thy favoring countenance. They press us 
down like heavy mountains to the regions of condemnation 
and despair. But we praise thee that thou art slow to anger 
and of great kindness, forgiving iniquity, transgression and sin. 
Enter not into judgment against us, be merciful to our unright- 
eousness and remember our iniquities no more. Being justified 
from all our sins may we enjoy peace with God through our 
Lord Jesus Christ. May his blood cleanse us from all sin : 
his spirit form in us an irreconcileable hatred to it. May we 
eschew it as hateful to thee, and destructive of our own peace 
and welfare. And while we plead for mercy may we exercise 
it toward others. May we forgive, as we hope to be forgiven., 
Let us never attempt to recompense evil for evil, or revenge 
ourselves upon those who have injured us. May we remem- 
ber to the merciful thou wilt show thyself merciful, but to the 
froward thou wilt show thyself froward. Whenever we seek 
the closet, the family-altar, or the public congregation, may we 
divest our bosoms of all feelings of anger, revenge, malice, 
envy or jealousy, that we may offer an acceptable sacrifice 
upon thine altar. O ! let not the sun ever go down upon our 
wrath, let not the embers of evil passion glow in our bosom. 
Let us not dare to approach the close of the day, and of life, 
and the bar of God, without forgiving our fellow-men and 
3* 



58 BIBLE PRAYER BOOK. 

praying for those who have injured us. May we make peace 
with earth in order that we may obtain peace with heaven. 
May we from our hearts forgive all who have trespassed against 
us, that our infinitely more numerous transgressions against 
God, may be graciously blotted out. May this forgiving spir- 
it characterize all our worship, and pervade all our intercourse 
with our fellow-men. Teach us not only to forgive those who 
have injured us, but also to pray for them and do good to them. 
May we be like our Father in heaven in good will and bene- 
ficence toward all mankind. May we be able to discharge 
all our domestic, social and civil duties with fidelity. Bless 
our family and kindred ; our country and the whole world 
of mankind, and help us ever to pray, " Our Father, " &c. 



XVIX— TEMPTATION DEPRECATED. 

The Lord said unto Satan, Behold, he (Job) is in thine hand, 
but save his life. So went Satan forth from the presence of 
the Lord, and smote Job with sore boils from the sole of his 
foot unto his crown. And he took him a potsherd to scrape 
himself withal : and he sat down among the ashes. Then 
said his wife unto him, Dost thou still retain thine integrity ? 
Curse God and die. But he said unto her, shall we receive 
good at the hand of God, and shall we not receive evil ? In 
all this did not Job sin with his lips. Job 2 : 6-10. 

Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God : 
for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any 
man. But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of 
his own lust, and enticed. Then w T hen lust hath conceived, 
it bringeth forth sin : and sin, when it is finished, bringeth 
forth death. Jam. 1 : 13-15. 

If sinners entice thee, consent thou not. Watch and pray, 
that ye enter not into temptation. God is faithful, who will 
not suffer you to be tempted above that you are able : but 
will with the temptation also make a w T ay to escape, that ye 
may be able to bear it. For we have not a high priest which 
cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities : but was 
in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. For in 
that he himself hath suffered, being tempted, he is able to 
succor them that are tempted. Prov. 1 : 10. Matt. 26 : 41. 
1 Cor. 10 : 13. Heb. 4 : 15. Heb. 2 : 18. 

Blessed is the man that endureth temptation : for when he 



TEMPTATION DEPRECATED. 59 

is tried, lie shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath 
promised to them that love him. Jas. 1:12: 

8ee also Matt. 4 : 1-11. 

8s. 7s. and 4s. 

Gently, Lord, 0, gently lead us 
Through this lowly vale of tears ; 
And, O Lord in mercy give us 
Thy rich grace in all our fears • 

0, refresh us — 
O refresh us with thy grace. 

Though ten thousand ills beset us, 
From without and from within, 
Jesus says he'll ne'er forget us, 
But will save from every sin : 
Therefore praise him — 
Praise the great Redeemer's name. 

PRAYER. 

thou refuge of the want and weakness of earth, succor us 
amid the temptations of the wilderness. What in us is dark, 
illumine ; what is weak, strengthen ; what is low, raise and 
support. Preserve us from the temptations of appetite and 
passion, of ignorance and knowledge, of sickness and health, 
of poverty and wealth, of obscurity and distinction, of want 
of occupation, and of excess of labor. Save us from evil in 
all its insidious approaches. Diffident of ourselves, may we 
avoid scenes and circumstances of temptation, as a place of con- 
tagion, or the raging battle field. In determining our calling 
in life, changes, or places of business, or in seeking compan- 
ionship or recreation, may we look for the highest moral se- 
curity and the largest facilities to an upright and religious 
life. But as it is not in man that walketh to direct his own 
steps, render the helpful influences of thy providence and 
grace, so that the path of duty may be environed by fewer 
dangers, and prove to us the path of safety. Suffer us not to 
be tempted above what we are able to bear. Whatever trials 
are necessary to our fallen condition, and the proof of our vir- 
tue, enable us to endure, and come forth from them as gold 
tried in the furnace, the brighter for the severity of the triai. 
And may we rejoice at the partial deliverances from evil in 
this life as an earnest of the final and complete deliverance 
which shall crown the redeemed in the future world, where sin 
and misery shall cease, tears shall be wiped from all faces and 
sorrow and sighing shall be no more. From age to age man 



60 BIBLE PRAYER BOOK. 

lias suffered and has sought deliverance. But he has looked 
for help in himself or gone down to Egypt for succor, or lifted 
a vague and unbelieving cry toward heaven. O hear thou the 
cry of earth groaning under long oppression of evil. While 
the wound of sin is too deep for man to heal, and the force of 
evil too great for him successfully to oppose ; we thank thee 
that help is laid upon one who is able to save to the uttermost 
the tried sons of earth, and recover them from misery and ever- 
lasting death, by recovering them from sin. Let his arm be 
made bare for our deliverance. As the captain of our salva- 
tion, may he conduct us safely through the manifold tempta- 
tions of this life, and bring us to the fruition of holiness and 
happiness in the world to come. " Our Father," &c. 



XVIIL— UNIVERSAL SOVEREIGNTY ACKNOWLEDGED. 

The kingdom is the Lord's : and he is the governor among 
the nations. The Lord most high is a great King over all the 
earth. And all the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as 
nothing : and he doeth according to his will in the army of 
heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth : and none can 
stay his hand, or say unto him, What doest thou? 

O Lord our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth ! 
who hast set thy glory above the heavens : the blessed and 
only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords : Thine, 
O Lord, is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and 
the victory, and the majesty : for all that is in the heaven and 
in the earth is thine. Both riches and honor come of thee, 
and thou reignest over all, and in thine hand is power and 
might, and in thine hand it is to make great, and to give 
strength unto all. Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory, 
and honor, and power ; for thou hast created all things, and 
for thy pleasure they are, and were created. 

Not unto us, not unto us, but unto thy name give glory. 
For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory, for ever 
and ever. 

O come, let us worship and bow down : let us kneel before 
the Lord our Maker ; whose dominion is an everlasting do- 
minion, and his kingdom is from generation to generation. 
Ps. 22 : 28. Ps. 47 : 2. Dan. 4 : 33, 34. >s. 8 : 1. 



UNIVERSAL SOVEREIGNTY ACKNOWLEDGED. 61 

1 Tim. 6 : 15, 16. 1 Chro. 29 : 11, 12. Rev. 4 : 11. Ps. 
115 : 1. Matt. 6 : 13. Ps. 95 : 5-7. Ban. 4 : 34. 

C. M. 

Keep silence all created things, 

And wait your Maker's nod ; 

My soul stands trembling while she sings 

The honors of her God. 

Life, death, and hell, and worlds unknown 

Hang on his firm decree ; 

He sits on no precarious throne, 

Nor borrows leave to be. 

PRAYER. 

God over all, blessed for evermore, we praise thee that thy 
law is above human laws, thy kingdom over human kingdoms. 
Thou art the universal sovereign. Thou rules t in the armies 
of heaven, and doest thy pleasure among the children of men. 
The material universe is ruled by thy laws, and the spiritual 
world subject to thy authority. All obligations of diversified 
institutions of human government is derived from thee. The 
parent and magistrate are commissioned to do thy will. By 
thee kings reign and princes decree judgment. And if they 
depart from thy law and disown thine authority, thou puttest 
down one and settest up another. O make it appear that the 
kingdom is thine and that thou art governing among the na- 
tions so evident that they may say among the heathen, " the 
Lord reigneth." As the sovereignty is in thine hands, thou 
canst dispose all events and agencies so as to accomplish thine 
own purposes and the prayers of thy people. Power O Lord 
belongeth unto thee. All the power exercised in the universe 
is delegated and restrained by thee. Thy creatures are weak- 
ness, and all thy works without strength, except as imparted 
to them by thee. Whatsoever thou dost purpose thou canst 
perform, and nothing can effectually resist thy will. To 
establish thy kingdom thou canst break in pieces the dynas- 
ties of earth as a potter's vessel, constrain the course of nature, 
determine the order of providence and subordinate the wrath 
and the authority of man ! O God put forth thy power to 
restore fallen humanity, and to subject principalities and 
powers of earth and the universe to thy righteous and gra- 
cious reign. And, O Lord, all glory is thine, the distinctions 
of men and of angels fade before the opening splendors of thy 
glory, as the stars before the rising sun. The honors of thy 



62 BIBLE PRAYER BOOK. 

creatures and of thy works are but dim reflections of the 
incomparable splendors of thine own attributes and char- 
acter. O Lord, our Lord, how excellent is thy name in 
all the earth and the universe, thy judgments are a great 
deep, thy goodness reacheth unto the clouds, thy kingdom 
ruleth over all, and thy glory is above the heavens. O Lord 
while we ascribe unto thee the kingdom, and the power, 
and the glory, we bare upon this ascription every plea of 
human necessity. Thine is the kingdom, rule thou it to ac- 
complish thine own purposes, and the salvation of thy crea- 
tures. Thine is the power, wield thou it to exalt righteousness 
and suppress wickedness ; to defend injured virtue and bring to 
naught vaunting oppression. Thine only is the glory, claim 
thou it in the triumph of truth and holiness, religion and hap- 
piness in the earth and the awarded homage of the principal- 
ities and powers of the universe. Glory be to the Father and 
to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit ; as it was in the beginning, 
is now, and ever shall be. Amen. " Our Father," &o. 



XIX.— DECALOGUE. 



Thou shalt have no other Gods before me. 

Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any 
likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the 
earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth : thou 
shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them : for I the 
Lord thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the 
fathers upon the children unto the third and*fourth generation 
of them that hate me ; and shewing mercy unto thousands of 
them that love me and keep my commandments. 

Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain ; 
for the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name 
in vain. 

Remember the sabbath-day to keep it holy. Six days shalt 
thou labor, and do all thy work : but the seventh day is the 
sabbath of the Lord thy God : in it thou shalt not do any 
work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy man-servant 
nor thy maid-servant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is 
within thy gates : for in six days the Lord made heaven and 
earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh 



DECALOGUE. 63 

day : wherefore the Lord blessed the sabbath-day, and hallow- 
ed it. 

Honor thy father and thy mother ; that thy days may be 
long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee. 

Thou shalt not kill. 

Thou shalt not commit adultery. 

Thou shalt not steal. Exod. 20 : 3-1 7. 

C. M. 

O may that God, who gave these laws, 
Write them on every heart ; 
That all may feel their living power r 
Nor from his paths depart! 

S. M. 

To what thy laws impart 
Beony whole soul inclined ; 
O let them dwell within my heart 
And sanctify my mind. 

p RATEE. 

Lord thy law is holy, and all thy commandments just 
and good ! May we have a due sense of their comprehen- 
siveness, reaching to every period of life, every form of occu- 
pation, and to the thoughts and intents of the heart. Let 
us not by pleas of indulgence seek to erase or obscure a single 
precept of the statute* book of heaven. May we seek to sub- 
ject ourselves and all mankind to the dominion of all. May 
we see how all the contentions and wars, the discord and 
unhappiness, the wrongs and oppressions, the envies and jeal- 
ousies of earth, arise from the transgression of those precepts ; 
and how as their dominion is secured, mankind approach the 
peace, fellowship and happiness of a great brotherhood. May 
these laws be embodied and enforced in the regulations of the 
family, and in the enactments and sanctions of the state. Let 
a sense of amenability to God and a final judgment rise supe- 
rior to all other apprehensions, and fix an impassable barrier 
to the progress of vice, crime and oppression in the earth. 
But O Lord, none have rendered more than a partial obedience 
to thy law. Judged by its perfect standard, all have sinned 
and come short of thy glory. Weighed in the balances of 
impartial justice we are found wanting. And in each renew- 
ed application of thy law, we feel a fresh sense of guilt ; our 
lives appear more unworthy, our acts more selfish. By the 
law is the knowledge of sin, but not of salvation. May it as 



64 BIBLE PRAYER BOOK. 

a schoolmaster lead us to the saviour of sinners. Under its 
tuition may we learn the measure of our unworthiness and of 
our ill deserts, so that we may appreciate the greatness of the 
salvation offered us through Christ, who is the end of the law 
for righteousness to every one that believeth. But let us not 
feel that the obligations of the law cease in Christ. But by 
his sanctifying spirit and grace may the righteousness of the 
law be fulfilled in us in progressive knowledge, virtue, and 
holiness. " Our Father, " &c. 



XX.— FIRST COMMANDMENT. 



Thou shalt have no other gods before me. 

Who is like unto thee, O Lord, amongst the gods ? who is 
like thee, glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, doing wonders ! 
Of old hast thou laid the foundation of the earth : and the 
heavens are the work of thy hands. They shall perish, but 
thou shalt endure, yea all of them shall wax old like a gar- 
ment : as a vesture shalt thou change them, and they shall 
be changed. 

The gods that have not made the heavens and the earth, 
even they shall perish from under these heavens. But the 
Lord is the true God, he is the living God, and an everlasting 
King : the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and 
Lord of lords. At his wrath the earth shall tremble, and the 
nations shall not be able to abide his indignation. All the 
inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing : and he doeth 
according to his will in the army of heaven, and among the 
inhabitants of the earth : and none can stay his hand, or say 
unto him, What doest thou ? 

Know therefore that the Lord thy God, he is God, the faith- 
ful God, which keepeth covenant and mercy with them that 
love him, and keep his commandments, to a thousand genera- 
tions. Ye shall not fear other gods, nor bow yourselves to 
them, nor serve them, nor sacrifice to them. And it shall be 
if thou do at all forget the Lord thy God, and walk after other 
gods, and serve them, and worship them : I testify against you 
this day, that ye shall surely perish. Exod. 20 : 3. JExod. 
15 : 11. Ps.102 : 25, 26. Jer. 10 : 11. 1 Tim. 6 : 15 
Jer. 10 : 10. Dan. 4 : 35. Deict. 7:9. 2 Kings, 17 : 35. 



FIRST COMMANDMENT. 65 

L. M. 

Before Jehovah's awful throne, 
Ye nations bow with sacred joy ; 
Know that the Lord is God alone ; 
He can create, and he destroy. 

Wide as the world is thy command ; 
Vast as eternity thy love, 
Firm as a rock thy truth shall stand, 
When rolling years shall cease to move.* 

PRAYER. 

O Lord, we confess that thou art God alone, and therefore 
we beseech thee enable us to obey thy commandment in cleav- 
ing to thee fully, with all our hearts : and while we profess to 
believe in the supremacy of thy power, and the unity of the 
Godhead, may we be preserved from yielding to others the 
homage which it is our duty to render thee. 

We bless thee for a revelation of thyself to man ; thou hast 
mercifully made known to us thy character and thy will, and 
thou requirest a reasonable service at our hands ; for thou hast 
enjoined upon us only that we should do justly, and love 
mercy and walk humbly with our God. 

Sutler us then not to transfer our affections from thee to the 
creature ; may we not be found worshipping at the shrine of 
Mammon, saying to the fine gold, thou art my confidence ; 
may we not prostrate ourselves before the goddess of fashion, 
in obedience to the dictates of an ungodly world ; n.or let us 
burn incense to pleasure, seeking the gratification of our sen- 
sual desires : but may we worship the Lord our God, and him 
only may we serve. 

And while we adore thee as our only God, we pray that 
our service may be intelligent and faithful ; may Ave be en- 
lightened by the influence of thy Spirit to understand the 
truths of thy word, in all their comprehensiveness of. heavenly 
doctrines ; in all their purity of practical precepts ; and in all 
their fullness of precious promises. And thus enlightened from 
above to behold wondrous things out of thy law, let the de- 
votedness of our lives be commensurate with the abundance 
of our knowledge ; may we fear the Lord and serve him in 
truth with all our hearts, considering how great things he has 
done for us ; thus may we increase in the knowledge of God, 
until we arrive at the measure of the stature of the fullness of 
Christ ; whom with the Father, and the Holy Spirit, we ac- 
knowledge one God, to whom be glory for ever. Amen. 



66 BIBLE PRAYER BOOK. 

XXI.— SECOND COMMANDMENT. 

Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any 
likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the 
earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth : thou 
shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them : for I the 
Lord thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the 
fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation 
of them thsft hate me ; and showing mercy unto thousands 
of them them that ]ove me, and keep my commandments. 

Ye shall utterly destroy all the places, wherein the nations 
which ye shall possess served their gods, upon the high moun- 
tains, and upon the hills, and under every green tree. And 
ye shall overthrow their altars, and break their pillars, and 
burn their groves with fire ; and ye shall hew down the 
graven images of their gods, and destroy the names of them 
out of that place. 

To whom will ye liken God ? or what likeness will ye com- 
pare unto him ? What profiteth the graven image, that the 
maker thereof hath graven it to make dumb idols. They 
have mouths, but they speak not ; eyes have they, but they see 
not. They have ears but they hear not, noses have they but 
they smell not. They have hands but they handle not, feet 
have they, but they walk not : neither speak they through 
their throat. They that make them are like unto them : so 
is every one that trusteth in them. Confounded be all they 
that trust in graven images, that boast themselves of idols. 
Woe unto him that saith to the wood, Awake : to the dumb 
stone, Arise, it shall teach. Ps. 115 : 5-8. 97 : V. Hah. 
2 : 19 

See also, Ps. 2 : 8. 9. Amos 5 : 25, 26. 2 Chron. 24 : 18. Jtr. 50 : 38. Lev. 
26 : 36. Ps. 46 : 6, 7. 

CM. 

Ye saints adore the living God, 
Serve him with faith and fear ; 
He makes the churches his abode, 
And claims your honors there. 

All power that gods or kings have claimed, 
Is found with him alone ; 
But heathen gods should ne'er be named 
Where our Jehovah's known. 

PRAYER. 

Lord God, the creator of the heavens and the earth ; 



THIRD COMMANDMENT. 67 

who art God over* all and blessed for evermore ; we know 
that thou art a Spirit, and that those who worship thee, must 
worship thee in Spirit and in truth : to whom then shall we 
liken thee ? 

In the vast amplitude of thy spacious works, we look in 
vain for a visible representation of thy glorious person ; for as 
matter constitutes not thy essence, neither can form trace out 
thy likeness ; and although thou hast informed us in thy word, 
that thou didst create man in thine own image, yet we know 
that this resemblance was moral and spiritual in its nature, it 
consisted in righteousness and true holiness, the one the beauty 
of the Divine nature, the other, the basis of the Divine gov- 
ernment. 

And yet, such is the darkness of the human mind, by rea- 
son of sin, that myriads of our fellow-men fall down before 
the work of their own hands, and worship the graven images 
of their own creation ; unconscious of the spirituality of thy 
nature, they thus search after the unknown god ; others, who 
are nominally worshipers of the true God, make use of images 
contrary to thy revealed will, as the medium of worshipping 
thee ; while we would praise thee for the superior knowledge 
thou hast given us in reference to thy nature and to our du- 
ties, forbid that we should bow down to idols in our own 
hearts : and grant that speedily the light of Divine truth, may 
pervade alike the gloom of paganism and the darkness of 
popery : and that a regenerated world may soon be prepared, 
by the realizing power of faith, to worship an invisible, but 
revealed God, whom -though having not seen they may love, 
and in whom believing they may rejoice with joy unspeakable 
and full of glory ; to whom be glory throughout everlasting 
ages. Amen. 



XXII.— THIRD COMMANDMENT. 

Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain; 
for the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name 
in vain. 

Ye shall not swear by my name falsely, neither shalt thou 
profane the name of thy God : I am the Lord. 

And thou shalt speak unto the children of Israel, saying, 
Whosoever curseth his God shall bear his sin. And he that 
blasphemeth the name of the Lord, he shall surely be put to 



68 BIBLE PRAYER BOOK. 

death, and all the congregation shall certainly stone him : as 
well the stranger as he that is born in the land, when he blas- 
phemeth the name of the Lord, shall be put to death. Exod. 
20 : 7. Lev. 19 : 12. Lev. 24 : 15-16. 

Because of swearing the land mourneth ; the pleasant places 
of the wilderness are dried up, and their course is evil, and 
their force not right. By swearing, and lying, and killing, 
and stealing, and committing adultery, they break out, and 
blood toucheth blood. Therefore shall the land mourn. 

I say unto you, swear not at all : neither by heaven, for it 
is God's throne : nor by the earth, for it is his footstool : 
neither by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King. 
Neither shalt thou swear by thy head, because thou canst not 
make one hair white or black. But let yonr communication 
be, yea, yea, nay, nay : for whatsoever is more than these 
cometh of evil. 

Above all things, my brethren swear not, neither by heaven, 
neither by the earth, neither by any other oath : but let your 
yea, be yea : and your nay, nay ; lest ye fall into condemnation. 
HosA : 3, 3. Zech. 5 : 3. Matt. 5 : 34-37. James 5 : 12. 

See also Lev. 24 : 10-16 

L. M. 

God ! the eternal awful name 
That the whole heavenly army fears, 
That shakes the wide creation's frame 
And Satan trembles when he hears. 

CM. 

Take not in vain the name of God 
Nor must thou ever dare 
To make thy falsehood pass for truth, 
By his dread name to swear. 

PRAYER . 

Lord God, who art glorious in holiness ; fearful in praises : 
doing wonders : thou, even thou art to be feared, and to be 
had in reverence by all thy hands have made ; for thou art 
infinitely exalted above our loftiest conceptions of thy being 
and character ; from everlasting to everlasting thou art God ; 
heaven and earth are full of the majesty of thy glory ; the 
universe exists for thy pleasure, and all creatures are subject 
to thy control. May we therefore never approach thee with 
unholy familiarity, or take thy great name thoughtlessly into 
our polluted lips ; in all our approaches to thee, may we con- 



THIRD COMMANDMENT. 69 

sider that God is in heaven, and that we are upon the earth : 
and may all our devotions be characterised by humility, under 
a consciousness of our absolute dependence upon thee ; and 
by godly fear, arising from a perception of the glory of thy 
nature ; the magnitude of thy power ; and the greatness of 
thy name. 

O, suffer us not to think lightly of the dreadful name of the 
Lord our God ; let us not be tempted to take thy name in 
vain ; in all our intercourse with men, may we never be 
ashamed to confess our veneration for the God of Israel ; nor 
may we be afraid to rebuke the profanation of thy name by 
others : may we be jealous for thy honor, and strive in every 
possible way to extend the glory of the Lord of Hosts. 

We confess before thee with shame and humiliation the 
prevalence of the sin of profaneness ; there are many in our 
midst who fear not an oath ; we are often compelled to hear 
thy holy name blasphemed ; and because of swearing, the 
land has reason to mourn ; but do thou have mercy upon us : 
do thou turn a pure language upon the people ; do thou 
cause the wickedness of the wicked to come to an end ; 
yea, our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name 
throughout the earth, that men may every where offer to thee 
holy incense and a pure offering ; and unto God the Father, 
the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be ascribed praises without end. 
Amen. 



XXni— FOURTH COMMANDMENT. 

Remember the sabbath-day to keep it holy. Six days 
shalt thou labor, and do all thy work : but the seventh is the 
sabbath of the Lord thy God : in it thou shalt not do any work, 
thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy man-servant, nor thy 
maid-servant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within 
thy gates : for in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, 
the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day : 
wherefore the Lord blessed the sabbath-day, and hallowed 
it. JExod.20:8-12. 

Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, verily my sab- 
baths ye shall keep : for it is a sign between me and you 
throughout your generations ; that ye may know that I am 
the Lord that doth sanctify you. Ye shall keep the sabbath 



70 BIBLE PRAYER BOOK. 

therefore : for it is holy unto you. Wherefore the children of 
Israel shall keep the sabbath, to observe the sabbath through- 
out their generations, for a perpetual covenant. It is a sign 
between me and the children of Israel for ever. 

Abide ye every man in his place, let no man go out of his 
place on the seventh day. Ye shall kindle no fire throughout 
your habitations upon the sabbath day ; for whosoever doeth 
any work therein, that soul shall be cut off from among his 
people. Six days thou shalt work, but on the seventh day 
thou shalt rest : in earingtime and in harvest thou shalt rest. 

In those days, saw I in Judah, some treading winepresses 
on the sabbath, and bringing in sheaves, and lading asses ; as 
also wine, grapes, and figs, and all manner of burdens, which 
they brought into Jerusalem on the sabbath day : and I testi- 
fied against them in the day wherein they sold victuals. 

There dwelt men of Tyre also therein, which brought fish, 
and all manner of wares, and sold on the sabbath unto the 
children of Judah, and in Jerusalem. Then I contended with 
the nobles of Judah, and said unto them, What evil thing is 
this that ye do, and profane the sabbath day ? Exod. 31 : 13- 
17. Exod. 35 : 3. Exod. 31 : 14. Exod. 34 : 21. Neh. 
13 : 15-18. 

See also Ex. 16 : 23-29 

10s. 

Again returns the day of sacred rest, 
Winch when he made the world, Jehovah blest ; 
When like his own, he bade our sorrows cease 
And all be piety, and all be peace. 

That day on which he bids thee rest 
From toil, to pray and praise ; 
That day keep holy to the Lord, 
And consecrate its rays. 

PRAYER. 

Thou art worthy, Lord, to receive the unceasing praise 
of all the creatures thou hast formed : for in thee we live and 
move and have our being : we rejoice to know that man is 
the object of thy peculiar care ; thou didst create him upright, 
and didst invest him with dominion over this lower world, 
making him accountable to thyself alone ; but by reason of 
sin, he fell from his original condition, rendering himself lia- 
ble to thy righteous indignation ; and though in consequence of 
his apostacy thou didst declare that in the sweat of bis brow 
he should procure the food necessary for his subsistence ; yet 



FIFTH COMMANDMENT. >j\ 

we bless thee that in connection with the manifestation of thy 
redeeming mercy, thou hast alleviated his toils by the institu- 
tion of the weekly recurring sabbath. This thou hast given 
him as a perpetual heritage, for the repose of his body ; for 
the invigoration of his mind ; and especially for the refresh- 
ment of his soul. 

We bless thee that we are thus enabled, one day in seven, to 
exchange the toils of labor, for the enjoyments of devotion ; 
the bustle of the week, for the quiet of the sabbath ; the cares 
of daily life, for the services of the sanctuary ; the troubles of 
earth, for the anticipation of Heaven. May we ever value and 
improve this inestimable privilege; may we remember the 
sabbath day, to keep it holy ; may we regard the sabbath as a 
delight, the holy of the Lord, honorable ; may we thus honor 
thee, not doing our own ways, nor finding our own pleas- 
ure, nor speaking our own words. 

And let those who desecrate thy sabbaths, be led to see the 
error of their ways, and to feel that it is an evil, and a bitter 
thing to sin against God ; and hasten the time, we beseech 
thee, when from one sabbath to another, all flesh shall come 
to worship before thee, and unto God the Father, &c. 



XXIV.— FIFTH COMMANDMENT. 

Honor thy father and thy mother ; that thy days may be 
long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee. 

God commanded, saying, Honor thy father and mother : 
and, he that curseth father or mother, let him die the death. 
But ye say, whosoever shall say to his father, It is a gift, by 
whatsoever thou mightest be profited by me : and honor not 
his father or his mother, he shall be free. Thus have ye made 
the commandment of God of none effect by your tradition. 
Children, obey your parents in the Lord ; for this is right. 
Honor thy father and mother, (which is the first command- 
ment with promise,) that it may be well with thee, and thou 
mayest live long on the earth. 

Hearken unto thy father that begat thee, and despise not 
thy mother when she is old. 

My son hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not 
the law of thy mother : for they shall be an ornament of grace 
unto thy head, and chains about thy neck. 



72 BIBLE PRAYER BOOK. 

Whoso curseth his father or his mother, his lamp shall be 
put out in darkness. The eye that mocketh at his father, and 
despiseth to obey his mother, the ravens of the valley shall 
pick it out, and the young eagles shall eat it. Cursed is he 
that setteth light by his father or his mother. 

If a man have a stubborn and rebellious son, which will not 
obey the voice of his father, or the voice of his mother, and 
that when they have chastened him, will not hearken unto 
them : then shall his father and his mother lay hold on him, 
and bring him out unto the elders of his city, and unto the 
gate of his place. And all the men of his city shall stone him 
with stones that he die : so shalt thou put evil away from 
among you, and all Israel shall hear, and fear. Exod. 20 : 
12. Matt. 15: 4-6. Eph. 6 : 1-3. Prov. 23: 22. Prov. 
13 : 1. Prov. 1 : 8, 9. Prov. 6 : 21, 22. Prov. 20 : 22. 
Exod. 21 : 15. Prov. 39 : 17. Deut. 27 : 16. Deut. 21 : 



C. M. 

Let children that would fear the Lord 
Hear what their teachers say, 
With reverence heed their parents word, 
And with delight obey. 

For those who worship God, and give 
Their parents honor due, 
Shall long on earth in comfort live, 
And live hereafter too. 

PRAYER. 

Our Father who art in heaven ; we desire to bless thee, 
that though we are worms of the dust, and sinners both by 
nature and practice, thou hast provided a means by which we 
may be admitted into thy family, and acknowledged as thy 
children ; to those who believe in thee, thou hast given the 
honors and privileges of sonship ; and dost send forth the 
spirit of thy Son into their hearts, whereby they are enabled 
to call thee Abba, Father ; we pray that we may possess, and 
ever be conscious of this blessed relationship to thee. 

And while we bless thee above all as our Father in heaven, 
we would unfeignedly praise thee for our earthly parents ; for 
those who have watched over us in our helpless infancy, and 
taught our youthful tongues to lisp a Saviour's name, and 
pointed us to the glories of an unseen world ; may we ever 
obey their wise directions ; may we always honor them by 



SIXTH COMMANDMENT. Y3 

the reverence of our hearts, and the obedience of our lives, 
that it may be well with us while we remain upon the earth : 
and when our earthly duties are finished, and we are gathered 
to our Fathers in the dust of death, may our spirits join them 
in our Father's house above. And to the Father, &c. 



XXV.— SIXTH COMMANDMENT. 

Thou shalt not kill. 

He that killeth any man, shall surely be put to death. 
Whoso sheddeth man's blood by man shall his blood be shed : 
for in the image of God made he man. Surely at the hand 
of every man will I require the life of man. 

If a man come presumptously upon his neighbor, to slay 
him with guile : thou shalt take him from mine altar that he 
may die. Whoso killeth any person, the murderer shall be 
put to death by the mouth of witnesses, but one witness shall 
not testify against any person, to cause him to die. Moreover 
ye shall take no satisfaction for the life of a murderer, which 
is guilty of death : but he shall be surely put to death. And 
ye shall take no satisfaction for him that is fled to the city 
of his refuge, that he should come again to dwell in the land, 
until the death of the priest. 

So ye shall not pollute the land wherein ye are : for blood 
it defileth the land : and the land cannot be cleansed of the 
blood that is shed therein, bat by the blood of him that shed 
it. Defile not therefore the land which ye shall inhabit where- 
in I dwell : for I the Lord, dwell among the children of Israel. 

Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For rulers 
are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou 
then not be afraid of the power ? do that which is good, and 
thou shalt have praise of the same. For he is the minister 
of God to thee for good : but if thou do that which is evil, be 
afraid : for he beareth not the sword in vain : for he is the 
minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that 
doeth evil. Exod. 20 : 13. Lev. 24 : 17 Gen. 9 : 6. 
Gen. 9 : 5. Exod. 21 : 12-14. Num. 35 : 30-31. Rom. 
13 : 1-4. 



74 BIBLE PRAYER BOOK. 



C. M. 



The blood of man thou shalt not shed, 
Its voice will pierce the sky ; 
And then, by the just laws of heaven, 
For the dire crime shall die. 



PRAYER. 



O God, who art the Arbiter of our destiny, and in whose 
hands are the issues of our life, we adore thee for our creation, 
and praise thee that thou hast made us wiser than the beasts 
which perish, and hast given us more understanding than the 
fowls of the air ; to the wondrous mechanism of our curiously 
constructed and animated bodies, thou hast added the yet 
more marvelous production of a living soul : and because thou 
hast made man in thine own image, endowed with such noble 
powers and capable of such exalted attainments, thou hast 
made his life sacred in the sight of his fellow man ; we beseech 
thee therefore ever to preserve us from blood guiltiness : and 
in order to this, may we keep our hearts with all diligence, 
and regulate our lives with vigilant circumspection : may 
our passions be controlled by an enlightened judgment, so 
that we may be saved from the impetuous impulses of anger 
and revenge ; if we are injured, may we rather forgive ; if we 
are despitefully used, may we pray for our persecutors : if we 
are hated, may we do good in return ; if we have enemies, may 
we love them ; may we keep ourselves pure, as the sons of 
God, without rebuke in the midst of a crooked and perverse 
nation, among whom may we shine as lights in the world. 
And now, &c. 



XXVI.— SEVENTH COMMANDMENT. 

Thou shalt not commit adultery. 

Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, 
abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul. 

Ye have heard that it w r as said by them of old time, Thou 
shalt not commit adultery. But I say unto you, that whoso- 
ever looketh on a woman to lust after her, hath committed 
adultery with her already in his heart. 

Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth : 
fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupi- 



SEVENTH COMMANDMENT. ?5 

scence and covetousness, which is idolatry. Exod. 20 : 14. 
1 Peter 2:11. Matt. 5 : 27, 28. Col 3 : 5, 6. 

Let no man deceive you with vain words : for because of 
these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of 
disobedience. 

Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effe- 
minate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, nor thieves, 
nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, 
shall inherit the kingdom of God. 

The lips of a strange woman drop as a honey comb, and 
her mouth is smoother than oil : but her end is bitter as 
wormwood, sharp as a. two edged sword. Remove thy way 
far from her, and come not nigh the door of her house, lest 
thou give thine honor unto others, and thy years unto the 
cruel : lest strangers be filled with thy wealth, and thy labors 
be in the house of a stranger, and thou mourn at the last, 
when thy flesh and thy body are consumed, and say, How 
have I hated instruction, and my heart despised reproof? For 
her house inclineth unto death, and her paths unto the dead : 
none that go unto her return again, neither take they hold of 
the paths of life. 1 Cor. 10 : 8. Eph. 5:6. 1 Cor. 6 : 9, 10. 
Prov. 5 : 3-12. Prov. 1:5,7. Prov. 7 : 22-27. 

See also. Ex. 20 : 14. Prov. 31 : 3. Acts 15 : 20, Rom. 13 : 13. 1 Thes. 4 : 3. 
Gen. 39 : 7, 10. Ruth 3 : 10, 11, 13. Prov. 7 : 22, 27. Jud. 7. Gal. 5 : 19, 21. 



Out flesh and sense must be denied, 
Ambition, envy, lust, and pride ; 
While justice, temperance, truth, and love, 
Our inward piety approve. 

a m. 

No more, ye lusts, shall ye command 
No more will we obey ; 
Stretch out O God, thy conquering hand, 
And drive thy foes away. 

PRATER. 

Almighty God, we acknowledge thee as the source of all 
goodness ; as the fountain of all purity ; and as the author 
of every good and perfect gift. In the plentitude of thy wis- 
dom, when thou hadst created man out of the dust of the earth, 
thou didst declare that it was not good for him to be alone, 
and didst therefore provide for him a suitable companion, to 
solace him in his sufferings, to participate in his joys, and 



76 BIBLE PRAYER BOOK. 

with him to tread the path-way of his life upon earth ; and 
didst say, For this cause shall a man leave his father and 
mother, and cleave to his wife, and they twain shall be one 
flesh ! We bless thee for a dispensation so fully adapted to 
our circumstances, and so abundantly fraught with blessings 
to our race. 

We implore thee to grant, that we may rightly estimate, 
and properly appreciate, the sacred obligations arising from 
this heaven appointed relationship ; may the sanctity of the 
family tie be respected by us ; may unholy passions never be 
permitted to obtain an ascendancy in our souls ; may no impure 
desires ever find a lodgment in our minds ; and may we be 
preserved, by thy grace, from every polluting lust. 

May those of us who are husbands, love our wives, as Christ 
loved the church ; and may those who are wives see that they 
reverence their husbands : thus in all our families, let peace 
and concord dwell ; let affection and confidence be maintained; 
and above all, may husbands and wives be found, like Zacharias 
and Elizabeth, walking in all thy statutes and commandments 
and ordinances blameless ; and to God only wise, be glory for 
ever. Amen. 



XXVIX— EIGHTH COMMANDMENT. 

Thou shalt not steal. 

Thou shalt not defraud thy neighbor neither rob him : ye 
shall do no unrighteousness in judgment, in meteyard, in 
weight, or in measure. If thou sell aught unto thy neighbor, 
or buy aught of thy neighbor's hand, ye shall not oppress 
one another. Thou shalt not have in thy bag divers weights, 
a great and a small : thou shalt not have in thine house divers 
measures, a great and a small : but thou shalt have a perfect 
and just weight, a perfect and just measure shalt thou have. 
A false balance is abomination to the Lord : but a just weight 
is his delight. 

Let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an 
evil doer, or as a busy body in other men's matters. Render 
therefore to all their dues, tribute to whom tribute is due, cus- 
tom to whom custom, fear to whom fear, honor to whom 
honor. Owe no man any thing, but to love one another. 



EIGHTH COMMANDMENT. ^ 

Let him that stole, steal no more : but rather let him labor, 
working with his hands, the thing which is good, that he may- 
have to give unto him that needeth. 

By swearing, and lying, and killing, and stealing, and 
committing adultery, they break out and blood toucheth blood. 
Therefore shall the land mourn and every one that dwelleth 
therein shall languish. 

Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the 
kingdom of God, nor thieves nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor 
revilers, nor extortioners ? Ex. 20 : 15. Lev. 19 : 13-35. Lev. 
25 : 14. JDeut. 25 : 13-15. Prov. 11:1. 1 Peter 4 : 15. 
Rom. 13 : 7, 8. Eph. 4 : 28. Hos. 4 : 2, 3. 1 Cor. 6 : 9, 
10. 

C. M. 

Thou shaltnot, or from friend or foe, 

Take aught by force or stealth ; 

Thy goods, thy stores must grow from right, 

Or God will curse thy wealth. 

that the Lord would guide my ways 
To keep his statutes still ! 
O that my God would grant me grace 
To know and do his will ! 

PRAYER. 

God over all and blessed for evermore : thou hast given us 
all things richly to enjoy, and hast imposed upon us obliga- 
tions, which the obedient service of an immortal life can never 
cancel ; thou hast raised man to the dignity of Lord over this 
lower world, and hast put all things under his feet ; thou hast 
made us social beings, and hast established among us social 
institutions : by virtue of these, the labor of our hands is 
rewarded with the fruits of our industry, and the right of every 
individual is acknowledged to the undisturbed possession of 
his lawfully acquired substance. We would thank thee for 
the blessings of civil government, which thou hast instituted 
as a terror to evil doers, and a praise to them that do well ; so 
that the crimes of the wicked are punished, and the vices of 
the immoral are restrained, and we are permitted to sit each 
beneath his own vine and fig-tree. 

Help us rightly to estimate the blessings of this life ; may 
we keep them in subordination to those which refer to eternity ; 
may we use this world as not abusing it ; and while we would 
be diligent in business, we pray that we may be saved from 
an inordinate desire for worldly wealth ; may we not make 



78 BIBLE PRAYER BOOK. 

haste to be rich, lest we fall into temptation and a snare, and 
put forth our hands and steal : may we be content to procure 
things honest in the sight of all men ; may our worldly busi- 
ness be conducted with uprightness ; may we respect the rights 
of others, as we would have our own rights respected ; may 
we love our neighbor as ourselves ; and may we love God 
above all. And now, &c. 



XXVIII.— NINTH COMMANDMENT. 

Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor. 

Thou shalt not go up and down as a tale-bearer among thy 
people. 

Speak evil of no man. 

Whoso kee'peth his mouth and his tongue, keepeth his soul 
from troubles. 

Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking 
guile. Put away from thee a froward mouth, and perverse 
lips put far from thee. He that hideth hatred with lying lips, 
and he that uttereth a slander, is a fool. 

A man that beareth false witness against his neighbor, is a 
maul, and a sword, and a sharp arrow. 

The lip of truth shall be established for ever : but a lying 
tongue is but for a moment. Lying lips are abomination to 
the Lord : but they that deal truly are his delight. Where- 
fore, putting away lying, speak every man truth with his 
neighbor. For he that will love life, and see good days, let 
him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips from speaking 
guile. 

If any man among you, seem to be religious, and bridleth 
not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man's reli- 
gion is vain. A false witness shall not be unpunished, and 
he that speaketh lies shall perish. Exod. 20 : 16. Prov. 
18 : 8. Titus 3 : 1-6. Prov. 21 : 23. Ps. 34 : 13. Prov. 
4 : 24. Prov. 10 : 18. Prov. 25 : 18. Prov. 12 : 19-22. 
Prov. 19 : 5. Eph. 4 : 25. 1 Peter 3 : 10. Prov. 19 : 9. 
James 3 : 5-8. 

See also Prov. 24 : 28. Rev. 21 : 8. Rev. 22 : 15. Prov. 10 : 21. 1 Pet. 
2 : 1, 2. Ps. 55 : 21. Prov. 6 : 16-19. 



TENTH COMMANDMENT. 79 

C. M. 

No man shalt then by a false charge, 
Or crush or brand his shame, 
Dear as thine own, so wills thy God, 
Must be his life and name. 

O send thy spirit down, to write 

Thy law upon my heart 5 

Nor let my tongue indulge deceit, 

Nor act the liar's part. * 

P RAY ER. 

O thou, who art the God of judgment and of truth ; we 
bless thee that thou art righteous in all thy ways, and holy 
in all thy works ; and that the law which thou hast given 
to be the guide of our life, is holy, and just, and good. 

We beseech thee, to implant in our minds, such a love of 
righteousness, as shall lead us to imitate the glories of thy 
character ; and to practice the moral virtues imposed upon us 
by thy word. Grant that, putting away all lying, we may 
speak every one truth to his neighbor : especially, we pray, 
that we may be saved from that malignity which would in- 
cline us vilely to cast away the truth for the injury of others. 

As thou hast bound us to our fellow-men by the ties of a 
common brotherhood, may no consideration arising either 
from injuries received, or of interests to be secured, lead us to 
bear false testimony against our neighbor. 

And, while we pray that we may be preserved from the sin 
of perjury, we beseech thee also, to save us from the diabolical 
work of gratuitous slander ; and may all wrath, and clamor, 
and evil speaking be put away from us, with, all malice : and 
may we be kind and tender hearted one towards another, for- 
bearing one another, and forgiving one another ; even as God 
for Christ's sake has forgiven us. And unto the father, &c. 



XXIX.— TENTH COMMANDMENT. 

Thou shalt not 00 vet thy neighbor's house, thou shalt not 
covet thy neighbor's wife, nor his man servant nor his maid 
servant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor anything that is thy 
neighbor's 

Take heed and beware of covetousness : for a man's life 
consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he posses- 
sed. 



80 BIBLE PRAYER BOOK. 

He that by usury and unjust gain, increaseth his substance, 
he shall gather it for him that will pity the poor. As the par- 
tridge sitteth on eggs, and hatcheth them not : so he that 
getteth riches, and not by right, shall leave them in the midst 
of his days, and at his end shall be a fool. 

Behold these are the ungodly : who prosper in the world, 
they increase in riches, surely thou didst set them in slippery 
places : thou castest them down into destruction. How are 
they brought into desolation as in a moment — they are utterly 
consumed with terrors. The curse of the Lord is in the house 
of the wicked : but he blesseth the habitation of the just. 
Exod. 20 : 17. Luke 12 : 15. Prov. 28 : 8. Jer. 17 : 11. 
Ps. 73 : 12-19. Prov. 3 : 33. 

They covet fields and take them by violence, and houses 
and take them away : so they oppress a man and his house : 
even a maD and his heritage. 

Thou hast taken usury and increase, and thou hast greedily 
gained of thy neighbor by extortion, and hast forgotten me, 
saith the Lord God. Behold therefore, I have smitten mine 
hand at thy dishonest gain which thou hast made. Your 
gold and silver is cankered, and the rust of them shall be a 
witness against you, and shall eat your flesh as it were 
fire : ye have heaped treasures together for the last days. 
Behold the hire of the laborers which have reaped down your 
fields, which is of you kept back by fraud, crieth : and the 
cries of them which have reaped, are entered into the ears of 
the Lord of Sabaoth Ezeh. 33 : 31. Micah 2 : 2. Ezek. 
22:12-14. James 5 : 3, 4. Hab.2:9. Ps.34 : 16. Job 
21 : 17-20. 

C. M. 

Thy soul one wish shall not let loose 
For that which is not thine ; 
Live in thy lot, or small or great, 
For God has drawn the line. 

From folly turn away my eyes ; 
Let no corrupt design, 
Nor covetous desire, arise 
Within this soul of mine, 

PRAYER. 

O Lord, we adore thee, that thou hast revealed thyself to us, 
as the beneficent Deity, for God is love ; of thy love to man, 
thou hast assured us, both by thy word and by thy act : the 



FIRST GREAT COMMANDMENT. 81 

word of promise and the act of grace ; the measure of thy love 
to man, we confess, cannot be understood by us, till we can 
comprehend the greatness of the sacrifice thou hast made for 
his redemption ; for thou hast so loved the world, as to give 
thine only begotten Son ; that whosoever believeth in him, 
might not perish, but have everlasting life. 

While we would bless thee for the greatness of thy bene- 
volence, do thou mercifully grant that our hearts may be en- 
larged by its expansive and elevating influences : give to us we 
entreat thee, the generous feelings of an universal philanthropy : 
preserve us from the contracting power of a narrow and 
unworthy selfishness ; and as we recognize in others the same 
right we would claim for ourselves, may we rejoice in their 
welfare, and be pleased with their prosperity. Keep us from 
the contagious, and deplorably prevalent sin of covetousness, 
which is idolatry ; and as thou hast assured us that our food 
and raiment shall be given to us, may we be therewith con- 
tent : may we not be anxious to lay up treasures upon earth : 
where moth and rust corrupt, and where thieves break through 
and steal : but may we be anxious to lay up treasures in hea- 
ven ; where no thief approaches ; where no moth corrupts. 

Thus, may we practice every virtue ; thus may we obey 
every heavenly mandate ; and whatsoever things are true ; 
whatsoever things are honest ; whatsoever things are just ; 
whatsoever things are pure ; whatsoever things are lovely ; 
whatsoever things are of good report : may we think of these 
things, and do them. And unto the Father, &c. 



XXX— FIRST GREAT COMMANDMENT. 

Thou shalt love the Lord thy God, with all thy heart, ard 
with all thy soul, and with, all thy mind. This is the first and 
great commandment. 

Hear O Israel : The Lord our God is one Lord. And what 
doth the Lord thy God require of thee, but to fear the Lord 
thy God, to walk in all his ways, and to love him, with all thy 
heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might. 

O love the Lord, all ye saints : for the Lord preserveth the 
faithful. Be ye therefore followers of God as dear children : 
and walk in love as Christ also hath loved us, and given him- 

4* 



82 BIBLE PRAYER BOOK. 

self for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God : as the servants 
of Christ doing the will of God from the heart. 

He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it 
is that loveth me, and he that loveth me shall be loved of my 
father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him. 
Delight thyself also in the Lord ; and he shall give thee the 
desire of thy heart. Know that the Lord thy God, he is God, 
the faithful God, which keepeth covenant and mercy with them 
that love him and keep his commandments, to a thousand 
generations. 

All things work together for good to them that love God, 
to them who are the called according to his purpose. O how 
great is thy goodness, which thou hast laid up for them that 
fear thee : which thou hast wrought for them that trust in thee 
before the sons of men. Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, 
neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which 
God hath prepared for them that love him. 

It is good for me to draw near to God, I have put my trust 
in the Lord God. The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and 
my deliverer ; I will love thee O Lord, my strength. Whom 
have I in heaven but thee ? and there is none upon earth that 
I desire besides thee. Matt. 22 : 37, 38. Deut. 6 : 4. 
Deut. 10 : 12. Deut. 6 : 5. Ps. 18 : 1. Eph. 5 : 1, 2. 
Eph. 6 : 6. John 14 : 21. Ps. 37 : 4. Deut. 1 : 9. Pom. 
8 : 28. Ps. 31 : 19. 



Praise to thee, thou great Creator ! 
Praise to thee from every tongue, 
Join, my soul, with every creature, 
Join the universal song, 

For ten thousand blessings given, 

For the hope of future joy, 

Sound his praise through earth and heaven, 

Sound Jehovah's praise on high. 

PRAYER. 

Holy and ever blessed Lord, our God, we adore thee as 
the King eternal, immortal, and invisible, the all-wise Jeho- 
vah. We acknowledge thee as our creator, our preserver, and 
our bountiful benefactor ; in whom we live and move and 
have our being. We recognize the justice of thy claim upon 
the best affections of our hearts and the service of our lives, 
for thou art infinitely holy, and just, and good, the giver of 



SECOND GREAT COMMANDMENT. 83 

all that we enjoy, and the source of all that we hope for in 
time and in eternity. 

But we humbly deplore before thee the hardness of our 
hearts, and our spiritual blindness which renders us so insen- 
sible to thy greatness and thy goodness. We mourn over 
these awful effects of sin, and we feel our absolute dependence 
upon thee to rescue us from the power of the destroyer. Shed 
abroad thy love in our hearts by thy holy spirit given unto 
us. Disipate the clouds of sin that conceal thy glories from 
our sight. Enlighten the eyes of our understanding that we 
may discern spiritual things, and enable us to worship and 
serve thee in spirit and in truth. 

Reveal Thyself to us, we beseech thee, in all the loveliness 
of thy attributes, and prepare our souls to unite with the 
Psalmist in exclaiming, " Whom have I in heaven but thee 
and there is none upon earth that I desire beside thee." 

Give us the spirit of adoption, that we may recognise thee 
as our reconciled father in Christ Jesus, and from the heart 
address thee as " Abba Father." Bring all our thoughts and 
feelings into cheerful acquiescence with thy holy will, that 
we may delight ourselves in God and be at peace. Make us 
holy as thou art holy. And when we have done and suffered 
all that thine infinite wisdom has appointed for us upon earth, 
prepare us, with affections purified from sin, and faculties free 
from infirmity, to love thee, in a world of light and blessed- 
ness, with all our heart, and with all our soul, and with all 
our mind and with all our strength. And through Him who 
hath loved us and given himself for us, will we render thy 
glory to the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, one God, 
blessed forever. Amen. 



XXXI.— SECOND GREAT COMMANDMENT. 

Thou shalt love the Lord thy God, with all thy heart, and 
with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first 
and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, 
Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. On these two com- 
mandments hang all the law and the prophets. Matt. 
22: 37-40. 

Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should 



84 BIBLE PRAYER BOOK. 

do to you, do ye even so to them. And the Lord make you 
to increase and abound in love one toward another, and toward 
all men. Rob not the poor because he is poor, neither 
oppress the afflicted in the gate : for the Lord will plead their 
cause, and spoil the soul of those that spoiled them. He that 
oppresseth the poor reproacheth his Maker : but he that hon- 
oreth him, hath mercy on the poor. Matt 7:12. 1 Thess. 
3. : 12. Prov. 22 : 22, 23. 14 : 31. 

Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them, 
and them which suffer adversity, as being yourselves also in 
the body. Learn to do well, seek judgment relieve the op- 
pressed, judge for the fatherless, plead for the widow. Open 
thy mouth for the dumb in the cause of all such as are 
appointed to destruction. Open thy mouth, judge righteously, 
and plead the cause of the poor and needy. Defend the poor 
and fatherless : do justice to the afflicted and needy. Deliver 
the poor and needy : rid them out of the hand of the wicked. 
If thou forbear to deliver them that are drawn unto death, 
and those that are ready to be slain : if thou say est, Behold 
we knew it not : doth not he that pondereth the heart, con- 
sider it ? and he that keepeth thy soul, doth not he know it ? 
and shall not he render to every man according to his works ? 
Heb. 3 : 3. Isa. 1 : 17. Prov. 31 : 8, 9. Psa. 82 : 3, 4. 
Prov. 24 : 11, 12. 21 : 13. Jer. 22 : 13. 

Whoso stoppeth his ear at the cry of the poor, he also shall 
cry himself, but shall not be heard. Wo unto him that 
buildeth his house by unrighteousness, and his chambers by 
wrong : that useth his neighbor's service without wages, and 
giveth him not for his work. 

If thou seest the oppression of the poor, and violent perver- 
ting of judgment and justice, in a province, marvel not at 
the matter : for he that is higher than the highest regardeth. 
He doth execute the judgment of the fatherless, and widow, 
and loveth the stranger, in giving him food and raiment. 
Lord thou hast heard the desire of the humble : thou wilt 
pepare their heart, thou wilt cause thine ear to hear, to judge 
the fatherless and the oppressed, that the man of the earth 
may no more oppress. Eccl. 5 : 8. Deut. 10 : 18. Psa. 
10 : 17, 18. 



SECOND GREAT COMMANDMENT 85 

L. M. 

Thus saith the first, the great command, 
Let all tby inward powers unite 
To love thy Maker and thy God, 
With utmost vigor and delight. 

Then shall thy neighbor next in place 
Share thine affection and esteem, 
And let thy kindness to thyself 
Measure and rule thy love to him. 

PRAYER. 

Thou great and good being, who didst create and dost 
preserve us in existence, and who crownest our lives with 
loving kindness and with tender mercy, we humbly acknowl- 
edge our obligation to obey all thy requirements as founded 
in equity and in truth. We recognize the relations which 
thou hast established between us and our fellow-men, and the 
duties that grow out of these relations as just and reasonable. 
But we deplore that depravity of our nature, which pervades 
our character and conduct, and taints all our affections toward 
others, as well as towards thee, our Creator and our bountiful 
Benefactor. And we earnestly beseech thee for the influences 
of the Holy Spirit, to renovate and sanctify our hearts and to 
fit us for the faithful discharge of our duties towards all man- 
kind. 

We bless thee for the glorious gospel of grace and salvation 
through Jesus Christ. We adore the riches of that grace, 
which brought thine only begotten Son to earth to assume 
our nature and die for our iniquities, thus ushering in a dis- 
pensation characterized by glory to God in the highest, peace 
on earth, and good will towards men. For his sake we pray 
thee to excite within us a holy sense of our obligations to 
our race. Give us the disposition to obey his command, to 
do unto others as we would that others should do unto us. 
Keep us from the commission of crime, from evil-doing of all 
kinds, from the indulgence of malicious or unkind feelings 
towards any who bear thy image, and from all careless and 
uncharitable remarks regarding them. Fill our hearts with 
holy affections, that we may be constantly prompted to every 
good word and work. Make us especially desirous of win- 
ning souls to Christ and of promoting the spiritual welfare 
of all over whom we have influence. Teach us to love others 
as we love ourselves, to seek their interests, and to promote 



86 BIBLE PRAYER BOOK. 

their happiness, as we would have them regard our welfare ; 
that we may all be the children of our heavenly Father. 
Amen. 



POOR IN SPIRIT BLESSED. 

Job answered the Lord, and said, I have heard of thee by 
the hearing of the ear ; but now mine eye seeth thee. 
Wherefore I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes. 
Job. 42 : 1, 5, 6, 

Every one that is proud in heart, is an abomination to the 
Lord. The lofty looks of man shall be humbled, and the 
haughtiness of men shall be bowed down. The Lord of hosts 
hath purposed it, to stain the pride of all glory, and to bring 
into contempt all the honorable of the earth. God resisteth 
the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble. Prov. 16 : 5. 
Jsa. 2:11. 23 : 9. Jos. 4 : 6. 

I say to every man that is among you, not to think of him- 
self more highly than he ought to think, but to think sober- 
ly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of 
faith. Let nothing be done through strife or vain glory, but 
in lowliness of mind, let each esteem other better than them- 
selves. Rom. 12 : 3. Phil. 2:3. 

To this man will I look, even to him that is poor, and of a 
contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word. For thus saith 
the High and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name 
is Holy ; I dwell in the high and holy place : with him also 
that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of 
the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones. 
Better it is to be of a humble spirit with the lowly, than to 
divide the spoil with the proud. Whosoever exalteth himself 
shall be abased : and he that humbleth himself, shall be exal- 
ted. Isa. 66 : 2. 51 : 15. Prov. 16 : 19-. Luke 14 : 11. 

Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of 
heaven. Matt 5:3. 

See also. Matt. 20 : 20-24. Is. 40 : 26. Sam. 4 : 6-10. Phil. 2 : 5-8. John 
13 : 5-15. 

L. M. 

Blest are the humble souls, that see 
Their emptiness and poverty : 
Treasures of grace to them are given, 
And crowns of joy laid up in heaven. 



POOR IN SPIRIT BLESSED. 87 



PRAYER. 



Almighty and eternal God, who by the gift of thy Son, our 
Saviour, hast taught us to be willing to take the lowest and 
meanest condition, with cherefulness ; help us to fall prostrate 
at his feet, while he speaks to us from the Mount of Beatitudes ; 
saying, Blessed are the poor in spirit : for theirs is the king- 
dom of heaven. Abject want is sanctified in his holy exam- 
ple, and profound humility is adorned and exalted in all his 
life and teachings. He has exhibited the unbounded wisdom 
of his Godhead, in putting the proud aspirations of the wicked 
to shame, and in declining a place of rest, however humble 
in his our world. Vouchsafe unto us, we pray thee, that 
humble poverty of the mind of Jesus, which preferred a lowly 
estate to worldly honor and greatness. May we be so sensible 
of our lost and undone condition, and of our utter helpless- 
ness and so intimately acquainted with the deceitful workings 
of our own hearts, that we may ever think meanly of our- 
selves, and aim at a devout loveliness of mind, affection, and 
conversation. Fill us with that contrition and poverty of 
spirit which will cherish high and reverent thoughts of thee, 
which will submit with contentment to all the allotments of 
thy hand which will praise thee for all thy benefactions, and 
obey all thy commands without complaint. May we think 
so soberly of ourselves and our own attainments, that we 
shall never arrogate anything to ourselves, but rather be led 
to distrust our own knowledge, and to bewail our poverty of 
christian deportment. 

Give us grace to bear reproof with meekness, when we are 
overtaken in a fault, to think more highly of others than of 
ourselves, and to be forbearing and forgiving to those who 
offend against us. Suffer us not to walk in a feigned humil- 
ity like unto the Pharisees whom thy Son did reprove in the 
days of his flesh but may it be real, and true humility, in 
pattern, like that of our blessed Redeemer. Then will our 
happiness flow like a river, and our blessings shall abound 
as the rain and the clew. As humility is best adapted to our 
present state, we shall be truly happy in occupying the place 
of thine appointment, and as it is an indispensable qualifica- 
tion for the kingdom of heaven, we shall be sharers therein. 
We read in thy word that whosoever shall humble himself 
as a little child, the same shall be great in the kingdom of 
heaven. If we may be blessed with this heavenly spirit, we 
shall be wise, for with the lowly is wisdom ; it will enable 



88 BIBLE PRAYER BOOK. 

us to struggle successfully with Satan, and all the allurements 
of pride and vanity, and it will make oar peace of conscience 
a fit type of the undisturbed sea of glass, on which we hope 
finally to stand with the ransomed harpers above. Whatever 
is needful for us to do, or to be that we may obtain this pov- 
erty of spirit, help us to do it cheerfully or to suffer it willing- 
ly. Let a first view of the infinite distance between thee and 
us, and the example of our great shepherd stimulate us to seek 
it, while we are deaf to the vain flatteries of men, and blind 
to the pomp and glory of this wicked world. And not unto 
us, but unto thee, together with thy Son, and the Comforter, 
we will ascribe ceasless praise. Amen. 



THEY THAT MOURN BLESSED. 

Although affliction cometh not forth of the dust, neither 
doth trouble spring out of the ground : yet man is born unto 
trouble as the sparks fly upward. Job. 5 : 6, 7. 

God doth not afflict willingly, nor grieve the children of 
men. He hath not despised, nor abhorred the affliction of 
the afflicted ; neither hath he hid his face from him, but when 
he cried unto him, he heard. Sam. 3 : 33. Psa. 22 : 24. 

The Lord upholdeth all that fall, and raiseth up all that 
be bowed down. He healeth the broken in heart, and bind- 
eth up their wounds. Sorrow is turned into joy before him ; 
weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning. 
Psa. 145:14. 147 : 3. Job 41' : 22. Psa. 30 : 5. 

No chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but 
grievous : nevertheless, afterward it yieldeth the peaceable 
fruit of righteousness, unto them which are exercised thereby. 
He openeth also their ear to discipline, and commandeth that 
they return from iniquity. Heb. 12 : 11. Job 36 : 10. 

In their affliction they will seek me early. Hosea 5 : 15. 

Behold happy is the man whom God correcteth : therefore 
despise not thou the chastening of the Almighty. I know, O 
Lord, that thy judgments are right : and that thou in faithful- 
ness hast afflicted me. It is good for me that I have been 
afflicted, that I might learn thy stautes. Before I was afflict- 
ed I went astray : but now have I kept thy word. Job 5:17. 
Psa. 119: 75,71,67. 

Godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be 
repented of, but the sorrow of the world worketh death. Our 



THEY THAT MOURN BLESSED. 89 

light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us far 
more exceeding and eternal weight of glory. 1 Cor. 1 : 10. 
4 : 17. 

The ransomed of the Lord shall return, and come to Zion 
with songs and everlasting joys upon their heads : they shall 
obtain joy and gladness', and sorrow and sighing shall flee 
away. Isa. 35 : 10. 

Blessed are they that mourn : for they shall be comforted. 
Matt. 5 : 4. 

See also Job : 5, 6. 7. Lam. 3 : 33. Ps. 22 : 24. 146 : 7, 8. 145 : 14. 147 : 3 
Job- 41 : 22. Ps. 30 : 5. Heb. 12 : 11. Job. 5 : 17. Ps. 119 : 75-67. Jer. 16 : 19. 

C. M. 

Lord, thy tender Mercy hears 
Contrition's humble sigh ; 
Thy hand, indulgent, wipes the tears, 
From sorrow's weeping eye. 

See ! low before thy throne of grace, 
A sinful wanderer mourn : 
Hast thou not bid me seek thy face? 
Hast thou not said, " Return" ? 

PRATER. 

Everlasting Father : Thou knowest all the pain and misery 
to which the human race is subjected, and no expressions of 
ours can make thee more familiar with them. They commence 
with our first breath, and continue to the end of our days. 
And not only is thy creature man involved in sorrow, but 
the whole creation also groaneth and travaileth together in 
pain. Our daily familiarity with affliction teacheth us humil- 
ity and self abasement before thee ; for sin is the great cause of 
all our sorrow. Our sins have justly provoked thy wrath and 
indignation ; for we have insulted thee, and rebelled against 
thee, and if our sin is great it is because we have been 
great in rebellion. 

Our personal sins are more than the hairs of our heads, 
and the sins of our race are more than can be numbered. 
We confess before thee, O Lord, that we are responsible in a 
high degree for the sins of our fellowmen, as well as for our 
transgressions. How often we have failed to exert a holy in- 
fluence upon them, by wholesome counsel, and how seldom 
we have restrained them from evil by a holy life. The re- 
membrance of all this is painful to us. But we adore the 
riches of thy grace, in that, our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ 



90 BIBLE PRAYER BOOK. 

has presented a great sacrifice for our sin, and was himself 
bruised for the transgressions of his people. 

Let us then we pray thee, through the death of thy dearly 
beloved Son, enjoy the comfort promised to those who mourn. 

Comfort us in a precious sense of our forgiveness — comfort 
us in permitting us to witness the salvation of others — comfort 
us in the maturity of all christian graces on earth, and finally 
in the enjoyment of everlasting life hereafter. 

Then indeed shall we be rich participants in this divine 
beatitude. We shall be blessed with a clear discernment of 
the truly vile nature of sin, with hatred of it, and love for 
holiness. We shall be led by thy spirit to resist all vain and 
carnal pleasures, we shall be brought into close sympathy 
with thy mind and will, and the fulness of thy holy benedic- 
tion will rest upon us. let the mourners in Zion be com- 
forted. Thy word has promised comfort to them, thou art 
able to bind up their broken hearts, thou hast never refused 
to manifest thyself to the sorrowful. Let us realize, then, that 
although our blessed Saviour no longer stands upon the 
mountains of Judea to instruct, and cheer, and bless the sons 
of men ; yet he ever liveth a merciful high priest ; and that 
from the mount of God he sees the tears, and hears the plead- 
ing of those who mourn, and hastens to comfort them. Amen. 



THE MEEK BLESSED. 



Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my 
brother sin against me, and I forgive him ? till seven times ? 
Jesus saith uuto him I say not unto thee, until seven times : 
but until seventy times seven. Matt. 18 : 21, 22. 

Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, 
and a tooth for a tooth. But I say unto you, that ye resist 
not evil : but whosoever shall smite thee on the right cheek 
turn to him the other also. Bless them that curse you, do 
good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despite- 
fully use you, and persecute you. Matt. 5 : 38, 39, 44. 

Avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath, 
for it is written, Vengeance is mine, I will repay, saith the 
Lord. Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good. 
Morn. 12 : 19, 21. 

An angry man stirreth up strife, and a furious man abound- 



THE MEEK BLESSED. 91 

eth in transgression. He that is slow to anger is better than 
the mighty : and he that ruleth his spirit, than he that taketh 
a city. Prov. 29 : 22. 16 : 32. 

I beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation where- 
with ye are called, with all lowliness and meekness, with long- 
suffering, forbearing one another in love ; let all bitterness, 
and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put 
away from you, with all malice. In malice be ye children, 
but in understanding be men. Be no brawlers, but gentle, 
showing all meekness unto all men. Ejyh. 4:1, 2, 31. 
1 Cor. 14 : 20. 

The meek will he guide in judgment : and the meek will 
he teach his way. The Lord lifteth up the meek : he casteth 
the wicked down to the ground. The meek shall inherit the 
earth : and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace. 
Psa. 25 : 9. 147 : 6. 37 : 11. 

Blessed are the meek : for they shall inherit the earth. 
Matt. 5 : 5. 

See also. Matt. 26 : 51, 52. 

L. M. 

Blest are the meek, who stand afar 
From rage and passion, noise and war ; 
God will secure their happy state, 
And plead their cause against the great. 

PRAYER. 

Lord of hosts, and king of saints, who dweliest in light to 
which no man can approach ; let not thy servants be turned 
away from thy presence while we intercede with thee for the 
bestowment of that meek and quiet spirit, which so marvel- 
lously characterized thine only begotten Son. We earnestly 
crave this blessing ; for we are well assured that he who pos- 
sesses it is a partaker of thy smile, and a subject of thy favor, 
and is enabled to feel, to his joy, all the impulses of a gener- 
ous mind sanctified by this heavenly disposition. Thou hast 
declared that those who seek and obtain it, shall inherit the 
earth. While those who are meek, may be poor, and despised, 
and appear without greatness or opulence in the sight of men ; 
yet like Jacob and Joseph and David thine ancient servants, 
they have a claim to the earth as the heirs of thy kino-dom 
the children of the wicked are, pass their days only by thy 
permission, and spend their lives here but to secure their ruin. 
Because thy Son our Saviour had not where to lay his head 



92 BIBLE PRAYER BOOK. 

in this world, thy meek ones who tread in his footsteps, ap- 
preciate its blessings, enjoy its bounties, and overcome all its 
lusts ; for they confess that they are strangers and pilgrims 
in its polluted domains. Forbid, our heavenly Father, that 
the enemy of our souls should counterfeit this holy virtue, 
and involve us in sloth, and indolent insensibility under the 
delusion that this is Christian meekness. For thou requirest 
us to foster the keenest sensibility for the claims of human 
necessity, and the exercise of human benevolence. Deliver 
us also, we devoutly pray, from the wrathful resistence of that 
which is evil, for thou hast said vengeance is mine, I will re- 
pay. Let the meekness and gentleness of the mind that was 
in Christ, dwell in us richly. Let it chasten, and subdue 
every temper, and let it govern every exhorbitant passion. 
Let it restrain us from speaking unholy and unlovely words, 
that our yea may be yea, and our nay, nay. Let it preside 
over all our actions that we may never repine at the dealings 
of God with us, as did Jonas the prophet, for thou canst not 
do wrong ; neither let us be angry with our fellow men with- 
out a cause. When our eyes are pained with the wickedness 
of the wicked, may we reprove and rebuke them with all 
long-suffering and gentleness, and may not even a hallowed 
indignation against sin betray us into simpleness. But, Oh ! 
God, endow us with the wisdom of the serpent, while we 
cherish the harmlessness of the dove, that we may be able to 
dictate all our plans for the suppression of vice in the spirit 
of Christian love. Give us grace to resist sin unto blood, if 
need be, for thy dear sake, and to be very jealous for the Lord, 
while we walk before thee as holy, and harmless, and undefiled. 
May we be able at all times to bear with the infirmities of our 
brethren, in all patience and humility, for we also are tempted. 
And so may thy sovereign love work in us a full conformity to 
our meek and lowly Saviour, and make us meet to enter into 
his joy, that so we may be ever with the Lord, and see him 
as he is. Amen. 



XXXV— THE HUNGERING SOUL BLESSED. 

As the heart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my 
soul after thee, O God. My soul thirsteth for God, for the 
living God: when shall I come and appear before God. 
Psa. 42 : 1, 2. 



THE HUNGERING SOUL BLESSED. 93 

Whom have I in heaven but thee ? and there is none upon 
earth that I desire besides thee. I will delight myself in thy 
statutes : I will not forget thy word. Thy word is very pure ; 
therefore thy servant loveth it. Consider how I love thy 
precepts : I rejoice at thy word, as one that findeth great 
spoil. Psa. 73 : 25. 119 : 16; 140, 159, 162. 

How precious also are thy thoughts unto me O God. O 
satisfy us early with thy mercy : that we may rejoice, and be 
glad all our days. As for me, I shall be satisfied, when I awake 
with thy likeness. The Lord will fulfil the desire of them that 
fear him. For he satisfieth the longing soul : and filleth the 
hungry soul with goodness. Psa. 139 : 17. 90:1 4. 17: 15. 
145 : 18, 19. 107 : 9. 

Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he 
that hath no money, come ye, buy and eat, yea come, buy 
wine and milk without money, and without price. Where- 
fore do ye spend money for that which is not bread ? and 
your labor for that which satisfieth not ? harken diligently 
unto me, and eat ye that which is good, and let your soul 
delight itself in fatness. Isa. 55 : 1, 2. 

He that followeth after righteousuess and mercy, findeth 
life, righteousness, and honour. Prov. 21 . 21. 

Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after right- 
eousness : for they shall be filled. Matt. 5 : 6. 
C. M. 

How blest the children of the Lord, 
"Who walking in his sight, 
Make all the precepts of his word 
Then- study and delight, 

Blest are the souls that thirst for grace, 
Hunger and long for righteousness ; 
They shall be well supplied, and fed, 
With living streams and living bread. 

PRAYER. 

Oh ! Thou King immortal, thou only wise God, thou source 
of righteousness and holiness ; listen we beseech thee to the 
voice of our supplications at this time, and grant us thy peace. 
We are humbled and abashed in thy presence at the remem- 
brance of the state into which we are fallen. Thou didst 
create us in thine own image, and crown us with glory and 
honor. What we see, and hear, and taste, and know of thy 
temporal bounty, delights us, and ministers to the pleasure of 
our earthly stay. And yet, such are our yearnings for more 



94 BIBLE PRAYER BOOK. 

substantial and permanent bliss, that we hunger and thirst 
after thee, and cannot be content unless thou impart to us 
thyself. We are stript of all internal and external holiness, 
and of all heavenly adornments, until we shall be clothed with 
the righteousness of our blessed Redeemer. This is our beau- 
tiful raiment, nay, this is our meat and our drink. And as 
the heart panteth after the water brooks, so pant our souls 
after thee, God. We bless thee, that there is a fulness in 
thee for the supply of all our wants. All the wonderful 
powers with which thou hast endowed our souls may be blessed 
with entire satisfaction. We have hungered and thirsted 
after pleasures and honors and wealth, the vanities of this 
life ; and have found our souls empty still, even in the indul- 
gence of our wants. Oh ! give us an enlarged sense of our 
needs and of thy fulness, and enstamp upon us thine own 
image. Vouchsafe to us an earnest and vehement faith which 
shall never be satisfied without the fulness of God. Let our 
faith be active and unwavering, and may we find supplies of 
heavenly blessing in thy word, in thine ordinances, and at 
thy throne. Oh ! Lord our Righteousness, hea*r us. Hear us 
for thy mercy's sake, and for thy name's sake. Thou hast 
said we shall be filled, and here we rest our plea. Pour upon 
us the copious effusions of the Holy Spirit, shower down thy 
refreshing influence, and let these enlarged desires be filled. 
We need the fruitful outpourings of the waters of life that we 
may drink of the stream of which thou hast said, if a man 
drink he shall never thirst again. Lord give us evermore to 
drink of these waters and feed us evermore with the true bread 
from heaven of which if a man eat he shall never hunger for any 
bread less divine. We ask all in the name of our Lord Jesus 
Christ. Amen. 



XXXVI— THE MERCIFUL BLESSED. 

He shall have judgment without mercy, that hath showed 
no mercy. He that oppresseth the poor reproacheth his 
Maker : but he that honoreth him, hath mercy on the poor. 
Whoso stoppeth his ears at the cry of the poor, he also shall 
cry himself, but shall not be heard. Jos. 2 : 13. Prov. 
14 : 31. 21 : 13. 

Is not this the fast that I have chosen ? to loose the bands 






THE MERCIFUL BLESSED. 95 

of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the op- 
pressed go free, and that ye break every yoke ? Is it not to 
deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor 
that are cast out to thy house ? when thou seest the naked, 
that thou cover him, and that thou hide not thyself from thine 
own flesh ? And if thou draw out thy soul to the hungry, 
and satisfy the afflicted soul : then shall thy light rise in 
obscurity, and thy darkness be as the noon-day. Then shalt 
thou call, and the Lord shall answer : and thou shalt be like 
a watered garden, and like a spring of water whose waters 
fail not. Isa. 58 : 6, 1, 10, 11. 

Blessed is he that considereth the poor ; the Lord will de- 
liver him in time of trouble. The Lord will preserve him 
and keep him alive, and he shall be blessed upon the earth ; 
and thou wilt not deliver him unto the will of his enemies. 
The Lord will strengthen him upon the bed of languishing : 
thou wilt make all his bed in his sickness. He hath dispersed, 
he hath given to the poor, his righteousness endureth forever ; 
his horn shall be exalted with honor. With the merciful thou 
wilt show thyself merciful. Psa. 41 : 1-3. 112:9. 18:25. 

The King shall say unto them on his right hand, come ye 
blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you 
from the foundation of the world. For I was a hungered and 
ye gave me meat : I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink : I 
was a stranger, and ye took me in : naked and ye clothed me : 
I was sick and ye visited me : I was in prison and ye came 
unto me. Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least 
of these my brethren ye have done it unto me. Matt. 
25 : 34-40. 

Blessed are the merciful : for they shall obtain mercy. Matt. 
5 : 7. 

L. M. 

Blest are the men whose mercies move 
To acts of kindness and of love ; 
From Christ, the Lord they shall obtain 
Like sympathy and love again. 

PRAYER. 

! merciful God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, we 
thank thee for the distinguishing glory with which thou hast 
crowned the Gospel, above the cold and dead stoical hard 
heartedness of heathenism. With the pagan world mercy 
was but weakness and folly ; but by the teachings of Jesus, 



96 BIBLE PRAYER BOOK. 

piety and love, blend in mercy over the distressed and 
wretched of human kind, to compassionate and relieve their 
sorrows. This tender sympathy and kind benevolence thou 
requirest us to feel when any member of the human family 
suffers, whether he be Greek or Jew, Barbarian or Scythian, 
bond or free. Thy word strictly enjoins upon us to feed the 
hungry, to clothe the naked, to visit the sick, to assuage the 
pains of the captive and the tormented, and to succor the 
friendless, thou hast ever said unto us the righteous man 
regardeth the life of his beast, because it is a creature of thy 
hands, and God careth for oxen. Thou hast presented every 
motive to our minds to awaken, and exercise within us this 
tender solicitude for the welfare of the least of thy disciples, 
and for all that breathe. Thou hast been infinitely merciful 
to us, and thou hast thundered fearful denunciations against 
the unmerciful ; while mercy shown to others is regarded as 
shown to thyself. Moreover, thou hast reminded us that we 
are only stewards of what we possess, that we may be placed 
in circumstances to need mercy ourselves, and that the bless- 
ing of him that is ready to perish shall rest upon him who 
shows himself merciful. O Lord, help us to lay these things 
to heart, that we may so exercise ourselves to the sharing of 
mercy, as to secure thy smile and that same blessedness 
promised to us and to our posterity, which thou hast bestow- 
ed upon those of like precious faith in all ages. We deeply 
deplore that selfishness of our nature which can allow us to 
look upon the tears and distresses of the wronged, the down- 
trodden, or the needy, without feeling for their state, and 
hastening to their relief. Lord forgive us wherein we have 
been guilty of this enormity, and may we be deterred from 
falling into that state again, by the fearful declaration that 
" He shall have judgment without mercy, who hath showed 
no mercy." Thou hast given us food and raiment, help us 
therewith to be content, and not to consume upon our lusts 
whatever we possess above the supply of our necessities. We 
are thine almoners, and we pray that we may be faithful re- 
ceivers and distributers of thy bounty. AVhen the raging 
flame, or the violent storm, the unclement seasons, or the 
pestilence that walketh in darkness, shall produce want or 
call for relief, may our eyes and ears, our hearts and hands 
never be closed against thy providential appeals to our mercy. 
But O God, may we ever be ready to " give a portion to 
seven and also to eight," and if need be, to make sacrifices 



THE PUKE IN HEART BLESSED. 97 

for the relief of suffering humanity in every form. And when 
the son of man shall come in the clouds of heaven, let us hear 
him graciously say, "inasmuch as ye have done it unto the 
least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me." We 
ask all through his precious blood and righteousness. Amen. 



XXXVII— THE PURE IN HEART BLESSED. 

The Lord seeth not as man seeth ; for man looketh on the 
outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart. 
The Lord searcheth all hearts, and uderstandeth all the 
imaginations of the thoughts : who will bring to light the 
hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the coun- 
sels of the heart 1 Sam. 16 : 7. 1 Chron. 28 : 9. 1 Cor. 
4 ; 5. 

If our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart and 
knoweth all things : if our heart condemn us not, then have 
we confidence toward God, and whatsoever we ask, we receive 
of him. 1 John 3 : 20-22. 

If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear 
me. Behold thou desirest truth in the inward parts. Create 
in me a clean heart, God ; and renew a right spirit within 
me. Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse 
me from my sin. Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be 
clean ; wash me and I shall be whiter than snow. Psa. 
66 : 18. 51 : 6, 10, 2, 7. 

Truly God is good to such as are of a clean heart. Blessed 
are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the 
Lord. Blessed are they that keep his testimonies, and that 
seek him with the whole heart Who shall ascend into the 
hill of the Lord ? and who shall stand in his holy place ? He 
that hath clean hands and a pure heart who hath not lifted 
up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully : he shall re- 
ceive the blessing from the Lord, and righteousness from the 
God of his salvation. Psa. 73 : 1. 119 : 1 2. 24 : 3-5. 

Our rejoicing is this, the testimony of our conscience, that 
in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom, but 
by the grace of God, we have had our conversation in the 
world. 2 Cor. 1 : 12. 



98 BIBLE PRAYER BOOK. 

Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. 
Matt. 5 : 8. 

S. M. 

Blest are the pure in heart, 
For they shall see our God ; 
The secret of the Lord is theirs ; 
Their soul is his abode. 

Still to the lowly soul 

He doth himself impart, 

And for his temple and his throne 

Selects the pure in heart. 

PRAYER. 

Holy, holy, holy, Lord God of Sabbaoth, heaven and earth 
are full of thy glory. How shall sinful worms presume to 
approach thine effulgent mercy-seat, before which angels and 
archangels veil their faces, and fall in silent wonder, when 
thou displayest thine infinite holiness ? But thou knowest 
our hearts, thou knowest that above all things which we can 
ask or think we desire to be holy, as thou the Lord art holy. 
But we are all sin and impurity from the crown of our heads 
to the soul of our feet. Oh God ! have mercy upon us, and 
consume us not in thy hot displeasure. The knowledge of 
our sin oppresses us in thy sight, and we come to thee that the 
blood of Jesus Christ thy Son, may cleanse us from all sin. 
Whence shall we go unto the fountain opened in the house 
of David for that evangelical holiness of heart and life without 
which no man can see the Lord ? It were nothing that the 
outside of the cup were clean, that an external life were 
pure in the sight of men, if we are not pure in heart, before 
thee. The inner man, and the hidden parts of the soul must 
be made pure. All the works of the law, all the sanctity 
of ceremonial ritual, all the tears that we can shed, though 
our head were waters, and our eyes a fountain of tears, can 
never avail to cleanse our souls from sin. We therefore flee 
to the cross of the Lamb, slain for the sins of the world. 
And even here, God ! we look not to be absolutely pure as 
thou art pure, nor pure as thine holy angels, but we hope to 
be made pure in heart, as sinners saved by grace. 

We hope so to partake of the divine nature, that sincerity of 
design, and action, and singleness of heart may ever distinguish 
us among men. Lord cleanse our hearts by the inspiration 
of thy Holy Spirit that we may consult thy will in all things, 
and render obedience to thy holy laws, and that we may keep 



THE PEACE MAKERS BLESSED 99 

ourselves free from the power and dominion of sin, both se- 
cret and open. Then shall we know thee, and delight our- 
selves in thee forever ; our communion with thee shall he sweet, 
and though our eyes shall not see thee on earth, our antepast 
of full fruition in heaven shall lighten the burdens of earth. 
Hear our prayer, we beseech thee, for thy sanctifying Spirit. 
Without purity of heart we cannot glorify thee, without purity 
of heart we have no illumination in perusing thy word, or in 
scanning thy providential ways. O ! make us pure in heart. 
Help us to love thee with a pure heart fevently, to love thy 
pure and unadulterated oracles of truth, and ail holy things 
that are inculcated by them. Our services are only accept- 
able to thee as we attain this grace, and without it we cannot 
see thy face forever. ! revive and establish in thy Church 
a greater love for purity of heart. Give to thy ministers, 
and to thy people generally, an ardent desire for clean hands 
and sanctified spirits, in prosecuting their work in thy vine- 
yard ; and let their efforts be concentrated to secure by a 
holy life, and the dissemination of the pure truth, thine honor 
and glory in winning souls to thee. And all we ask is in the 
name of our only mediator, Chiist Jesus the Lord. Amen. 



XXXVIIL— THE PEACE MAKERS BLESSED. 

Joseph sent his brethren away, and they departed : and he 
said unto them, See that ye fall not out by the way. Abram 
went up out of Egypt, and Lot with him. Abram was very 
rich in cattle, in silver, and in gold. Lot also, had flocks 
and herds, and tents. And there was a strife between the 
herd men of Abram's cattle, and the herdmen of Lot's cattle : 
and Abram said unto Lot. Gen. 45 : 24. Gen. 13 : 5-9. 

Let there be no strife I pray thee, between me and thee, 
and between my herdmen and thy herdmen : for we be 
brethren. Is not the whole land before thee ? Separate thy- 
self, I pray thee, from me : if thou wilt take the left hand, 
then I will go to the right : or if thou depart to the right 
hand, then I will go to the left. 

Behold how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to 
dwell together in unity. It is like the precious ointment 
upon the head, that ran down upon the beard, even Aaron's 
beard : that went down to the skirts of his garments. As 



100 BIBLE PRAYER BOOK. 

the dew of Hermon, and as the dew that descended upon the 
mountains of Zion, for there the Lord commanded the bles- 
sing, even life forevermore. 

If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably 
with all men. Let all bitterness and wrath, and anger, and 
clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all 
malice. 

An angry man stirreth up strife. As coals are to burning 
coals, and wood to fire : so is a contentious man to kindle 
strife. But he that is slow to anger appeaseth strife. A soft 
answer turneth away wrath. 

Be at peace among yourselves. Follow peace with all 
men. 

Blessed are the peace makers : for they shall be called the 
children of God. 

See also Rom. 12 : 18. Eph. 4 : 31. Prov. 29 : 22 26 : 21. 15 : 18. 1 Rom. 
14 : 19. Eph. 4 : 1, 23, 32. 1 Thes. 5 : 13. Heb. 12 : 14. Matt. 5 : 9. Ps.133 : 1-3. 

L. M. 

Blest are the men of peaceful life, 
Who quench the coals of growing strife ; 
They shall be called the heirs of bliss, 
The sons of God — the God of peace. 

PRAYER. 

Almighty and everliving God, the author of peace and the 
giver of concord; we, thy sinful and depraved creatures 
approach thee in sincerity of heart, and humbly pray thee to 
make us the children of" peace, that we may be called the 
children of God. Our hearts sink within us when we consi- 
der that the great brotherhood of man is so distracted by 
contention and strife, debate and variance. This, we are as- 
sured arises from the exceeding sinfulness of sin, and from 
the malice of Satan. Thou beholdest from thy throne how 
wars and bloodshed desecrate thy footstool, and what sighing 
and misery are engendered by the enmity that burns in the 
heart of man against his fellow. Families are disturbed, 
states are deluged in blood, and even the church, which is thy 
body, is mangled by the malice and ambition of men. For 
thousands of years the earth has groaned under this scourge, 
and we earnestly entreat thee to hasten the time when the 
whole human family shall dwell together in unity, under the 
glorious reign of the Prince of Peace. To this end, grant 
unto each of us an earnest desire for peace, and the possession 



THOSE PERSECUTED FOR RIGHTEOUSNESS BLESSED. 101 

of a peaceful mind. May we love it above our chief joy, and 
prize it as we prize our lives. Grant that we may be endued 
with an abhorrence of everything that would mar the spirit 
of love and Christian forbearance. May we constantly labor 
to prevent discord in every form, and wherever it exists. May 
we labor assiduously to remove it on right principles, so that 
we do not sacrifice truth to an unholy and insecure peace. 
But let us be actuated by a love of holiness, and governed by 
unswerving rectitude. And that we may be so influenced, 
enable us to avoid all hypocrisy and disimulation, to shun all 
idleness and do with all our might whatever good our hands 
find to do. Help us to avoid all groundless suspicion, envy- 
ings, and jealousies, to guard against all backbiters and back- 
bitings, and to set a watch over our own lips. Let us walk 
humbly with thee, deny ourselves, and seek that perfect love 
to thee, and that love to our neighbor, which thou hast enjoin- 
ed upon us. O make us the sons of God. Bestow upon us 
this royal dignity, then shall we breathe thy spirit, for we 
shall be like thee, who art the God of peace. And if we may 
but call thee Father, in truth, the peace of God that passeth 
all understanding shall keep our hearts and minds in the love 
of God. We would discover an evangelical temper and 
spirit in striving to be peace-makers. This was the aim of the 
Apostles and Prophets, in foretelling, and establishing the 
gospel of peace, and this was the design of thy Son in making 
it a badge of our discipleship. ! may we honor his design, 
by spreading peace on earth, and promoting good will among 
men. And at last bring us to enjoy eternal rest at thy right 
hand, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 



XXXTX. THOSE PERSECUTED FOR RIGHTEOUSNESS 
BLESSED. 

Moses refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter, 
choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, 
than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season. 

Jesus commanded the twelve, saying, Behold I send you 
forth as sheep, in the midst of wolves : be ye therefore wise 
as serpents, and harmless as doves. But beware of men : 
for they will deliver you up to the councils, and they will 
scourge you in their synagogues : and ye shall be hated of 



102 BIBLE PRAYER BOOK. 

all men for iny name's sake : but lie that endureth to the end 
shall be saved. Remember the word that I said unto you, 
the servant is not greater than his lord : if they have persecu- 
ted me, they will also persecute you. All these things will 
they do unto you for my name's sake, because they know not 
him that sent me. Heb. 11 : 24, 25. Matt. 10 : 5-22. 
John 15 : 20, 21. 

The Apostles departed from the presence of the council, 
rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for 
his name. And others had trial of cruel mockings and 
scourgings, yea, moreover, of bonds and imprisonments. 
They were stoned, they were sawn assunder, were tempted, 
were slain with the sword : they wandered about in sheep- 
skins, and goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, tormented ; (of 
whom the world was not worthy.) These are they which 
came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, 
and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. 

Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus, shall 
suffer persecution. 

For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to 
believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake. If we suffer, 
we shall also reign with him. Rejoice inasmuch as ye are 
partakers of Christ's sufferings : that when his glory shall be 
revealed, ye may be glad with exceeding joy. 

Call to remembrance the former days, in which ye endured 
a great fight of afflictions ; while ye were made a gazing stock 
by reproaches and afflictions, and became companions of them 
that were so used and took joyfully the spoiling of your 
goods, knowing in yourselves that ye have in heaven abetter 
and an enduring substance. Acts. 5 : 41. Heb. 11 : 36-38. 
Rev. 1 : 14. 2 Tim. 3 : 12. 1 Peter 4 : 16. Philip 1 : 29. 
2 Tim 2 : 12. 1 Peter 4 : 13. Heb. 10 : 32-34. 

L M. 

Blest are the faithful, who partake 
Of pain and shame for Jesus' sake ; 
Their souls shall triumph in the Lord ; 
Eternal life is their reward. 

C. M. 

By thine example ever swayed, 

We for our foes will pray, 

With love their hatred and their curse 

With blessings will repay. 



THOSE PERSECUTED FOR RIGHTEOUSNESS BLESSED. 103 

PRAYER. 

O thou God of all consolation, who knowest the afflictions 
of thine own people, we adore thee with all our powers for 
the support and encouragement held forth in this delightful 
declaration, to thy suffering church. We confess before thee 
our utter inability to comprehend why it is, that man is so 
ignorant and blind to the unity of human rights, and human 
responsibility to worship thee after the dictates of his own 
conscience and the teachings of revealed truth. Man has 
found out many inventions, and exercised himself in making 
many astonishing discoveries, and yet how fearfully ignorant 
he is of humanity. And in no way does he display his igno- 
rance of thy great work so fully as in the persecution of thy 
dear people for righteousness sake. Thy chosen ones are 
exposed to every form of disability and oppression, to domestic 
and civil penalties, to bodily torture and mental anguish, and 
unto death for thy sake. They are insulted and despised all 
the day long, they are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. 
Satan hath stirred up his emmisaries to dislocate all the social 
ties which bind man to man, and friend to friend, contrary to 
all reason, and enlightened legistation, because thy faithful 
ones maintain their integrity. Science and art, philosophy 
and law, patriotism and a corrupt religion, have united, and 
entered into vows, to deliver thy people up to Kings and 
Rulers, and to thrust them into prisons for thy names sake, 
and the elements of nature have been allied with the devices 
of art to destroy them. But we glorify thee that thy church 
still raises her Ebenezer, saying, hitherto hath the Lord 
helped me. We magnify thee that the storm is overpast, 
and that in our time neither paganism nor Antichrist are 
made drunk with the blood of the saints. Still, thou dost 
continue in some measure to chastise thy people in various 
parts of the earth. Oh ! sustain them we pray thee. And 
may they rejoice in being counted worthy to suffer for 
Christ's sake. Their suffering is blessed. It affords them a 
glorious evidence of the genuineness of their piety. It makes 
them depend more fully upon thy divine support. They 
share more generally the influence of the prayers and sympa- 
thies of the saints. They rank with the godly fellowship of 
the holy and the high of the earth, for so persecuted they 
the Prophets. And above all ; theirs is the kingdom of 
heaven, where they shall be crowned with the martyr's crown, 
and where they shall reign with thee, because they suffered 



104 BIBLE PRAYER BOOK. 

with thee here. O make us thankful that we are spared 
these grievous evils, and let our happy land ever be free 
from the relentless hatred of the legalized persecutor. Con- 
tinue to us the rights which our fathers purchased with their 
blood through thy grace, and may our gates perpetually 
furnish a resting place for the oppressed from all religious 
oppressors. Hear us also, we pray thee, for the persecutor. 
Turn his heart, as thou didst turn the heart of Saul, and let 
him be brought to love thee, and serve thee, for Jesus sake. 
Amen. 



XL.— THE REVILED BLESSED. 

Hearken unto me ye that know righteousness, the people 
in whose heart is my law : fear ye not the reproach of men, 
neither be ye afraid of their reviiings. No weapon that is 
formed against thee shall prosper, and eveiy tongue that 
shall rise against thee in judgment, thou shalt condemn. 
Blessed are ye when men shall revile you, and persecute you, 
and shall say all manner of evil against you, falsely, for my 
sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad : for great is your 
reward in heaven : for so persecuted they the prophets which 
were before you. 

For this is thankworthy, if a man for conscience toward 
God endure grief, suffering wrongfully. For what glory is 
it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it 
patiently ? but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take 
it patiently, this is acceptable with God. For even hereunto 
were ye called : because Christ also suffered for us, leaving 
us an example, that ye should follow his steps : who did no 
sin, neither was guile found in his mouth : who, when he 
was reviled, reviled not again ; when he suffered, he threat- 
ened not ; but committed himself to him that judge th right- 
eously. 

Finally, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous : not 
rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing : but contrariwise, 
blessing : knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye 
should inherit a blessing. For it is better, if the will of God 
be so, that ye suffer for well-doing, than for evil-doing. 
Being reviled, we bless : being persecuted, we suffer it. 



THE REVILED BLESSED. 105 

Isaiah 51 : 1. Isaiah 54 : 17. Matt. 5 : 11, 12. 1 Peter 
2 : 19-23. 

C. M. 

Didst thou dear Saviour, suffer shame, 
And bear the cross for me ? — 
And shall I fear to own thy name, 
Or thy disciple be? — 

Let mockers scoff, the world defame, 
And treat me with disdain ; 
Still may I glory in thy name, 
And count reproach my gain. 

PRAYER. 

Oh ! thou all-seeing and omniscient Jehovah, how much 
higher are thy thoughts than our thoughts, and thy ways 
than our ways. We judge after the outward appearance, 
but thou seest the heart. When we see those that hate thee, 
preferred and honored, and those that love thee reviled and 
slandered, we should well fear things against thine own flock, 
if thou hadst not written them blessed in the midst of a 
sneering and gainsaying world. Help us, then, when, as thy 
disciples, we are the subjects of scoffing and slander, and when 
our name is cast out as evil, help to count it all joy. When 
we are reproached by false witnesses and our character is de- 
famed by those who would destroy us, may we be cheered in 
the remembrance that thou dost lay no greater burdens upon 
us than all the saints before us have carried. Thy servant 
Lot was scoffed at, and traduced, and defamed by the people 
of wicked Sodom. Joseph was hated by his brethren ; and 
David was made the sport of the drunkard's song. The holy 
name by which we are called was derided and blasphemed, 
and the only begotten of the Father was accused of drunken- 
ness, sabbath breaking, and league with Beelzebub, by those 
for whom he came to die. Shall we, then, think it strange 
that we are exposed to reproach and fiery trials, for his dear 
name's sake. This we will gladly bear. We welcome affronts 
and ignominy, we rejoice and are exceeding glad to endure 
them, for great is our reward in heaven. O Lord may we 
never suffer for evil doing, but when we suffer let it be for 
well doing, and falsely of those who suffer wrongfully and 
for conscience sake, thou hast said the spirit of glory and 
of God resteth upon them. We may be called to endure 
hardness as good soldiers of Jesus Christ by drillings in se- 

5 



106 BIBLE PRAYER BOOK. 

cret places, and from those who could not if they would in- 
flict cruel persecutions upon us. O may we stand steadfast. 
When brethren or sisters, father or mother, wife or children, 
shall point the finger of scorn at us, or curl the lip of contempt 
and knit the brow of wrath, may we rejoice and be exceeding 
glad. Though troubled on every side, yet not distressed ; 
perplexed but not in despair ; persecuted, but not forsaken ; 
cast down, but not destroyed. We intercede with thee that 
such a spirit of supplication may dwell within us at all times 
as shall prompt us to pray for those who despitefully use us, 
as Jesus prayed for his foes, saying, Father forgive them, for 
they know not what they do. Help us to do them good. 
When they hunger, to feed them, when they thirst, to give 
them drink, and always to care for the salvation of their souls. 
And now, O Lord, let the united blessings of these holy beati- 
tudes be conferred upon us, so far as we can be partakers of 
them here below, and, for the rest, fulfil all our desires, and all 
thy precious promises to us, when we shall be purified from 
all our sins, and stand before the throne of thy glory with all 
the sanctified throng. And to the Father, Son, and Holy 
Spirit we will offer ceaseless praise. Amen. 



XLI— SINFULNESS OF MAN. 



The Lord looked down from heaven upon the children of 
men ; to see if there were any that did understand and seek 
God. They are all gone aside, they are all together become 
filthy : there is none that doeth good, no not one. There is 
none that understandeth, -there is none that seeketh after 
God. 

Therefore they say unto God, Depart from us : for we de- 
sire not the knowledge of thy ways, and to the prophets, Pro- 
phesy not unto us right things : speak unto us smooth things, 
prophesy deceits : get ye out of the way : turn aside out of 
the path : cause the Holy One of Israel to cease from before 
us. Job. 21 : 14. Isaiah 30 : 10, 11. Ps. 14 : 2, 3. 

For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections : and 
as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God 
gave them over to a reprobate mind : being filled with all un- 
righteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, malicious- 
ness, full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity, whisper- 



SINFULNESS OF MAN. 107 

ers, backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, in- 
venters of evil things, disobedient to parents ; without under- 
standing, covenant breakers, without natural affection, impla- 
cable, unmerciful,; who knowing the judgment of God, (that 
they which commit such things, are worthy of death) not 
only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them. 
Rom. 1 : 26, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32. 

The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately 
wicked, who can know it? The carnal mind is enmity 
against God ; for it is not subject to the law of God, neither in- 
deed can be. The imagination of man's heart is evil from 
his youth. Because sentence against an evil work is not exe- 
cuted speedily ; therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully 
set in them to do evil. Jer. 17:9. Rom. 8 : 7. Gen. 8 : 
21. Ecc. 8 : 11. 

If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and 
the truth is not in us. If we say that we have not sinned, we 
make him a liar, and his word is not in us. 

As by one man sin entered into the world, and 4eath by 
sin : so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned. 
For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners : 
so by the obedience of one, shall many be made righteous. 

Sec also. Isa. 1 : 2. Ps. 10 : 4. Gen. 6 : 5, 11. Rom. 3 : 11-18. Jer 3 : 21. 

C. M. 

How sad our state by nature is ! 
Our sin how deep it stains ! 
And Satan binds our captive minds 
Fast in his slavish chains. 

But there is a voice of sovereign grace, 
Sounds from the sacred word, 
Ho ye despairing sinners, come 
And trust upon the Lord. 

PRAYER. 

O Lord with humble shame we confess our sinful state. 
The testimonies of thy word conclude all under sin. The 
Lord looked from heaven to see if there were any among the 
children of men who did good. There was none righteous, 
no not one. The history of mankind confirms the testimony 
of revelation. Selfishness and cruelty, envy and hatred, re- 
venge and violence, war and oppression, have obtained in 
every age of the world, in every part of the earth, in every 
nation and tribe of men ; defacing from man the image of 



108 BIBLE PRAYER BOOK. 

his maker, sundering the ties of the human brotherhood ar- 
raying man against man, class against class, and nation 
against nation, desolating the hearts and homes and countries 
of earth, and filling heaven with sounds of violence, of lamen- 
tation and woe. And in our own spiritual history we trace 
a fearful corroboration of the doctrine of human depravity. 
Our own heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately 
wicked. It turns aside from the purpose of duty like a de- 
ceitful bow : it betrays into forgetfulness of God, ingratitude, 
neglect of duty, and the commission of sin. Help us to feel 
that what the Scriptures and history declare mankind gene- 
rally to be, by the uniform character of human nature we are. 
Only divine providence and grace have restrained from other 
and higher degrees of wickedness. let us not boast of our 
virtue, so weak in itself. Let us not glory over the poor pub- 
lican not daring to lift up his eyes in the temple, but smiting 
on his breast and exclaiming, "God be merciful to me a sin- 
ner." We deplore our natural depravity, and our practical 
irreligion -and wickedness. We mourn over our manifold 
transgressions ; the follies of childhood and youth, and the 
sins of riper years : sins of omission and commission, the sins 
of our relations and stations in life ; the sins of thought, word 
and deed. But O God while we mourn, we rejoice. We 
praise thee that there is pardon for the most aggravated trans- 
gressions : a saviour for the chief of sinners. Where sin has 
abounded, grace hath much more abounded. May a sinning 
race be brought to penitence and pardon. May man return 
as a prodigal to his father's house ; and may there be joy in 
heaven among the angels of God over the last sinner of earth 
repenting and returning to a filial trust in God, and a cordial 
obedience to all his requirements. " Our Father," &c. 



XLII— CONDEMNATION OF MAN. 

The wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all un- 
godliness, and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in 
unrighteousness. Rom. 1 : 18. 

Moses describeth the righteousness which is of the law, that 
the man that doeth those things shall live by them. Now 
we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to 
them who are under the law : that every mouth may be stop- 



CONDEMNATION OF MAN. 109 

ped, and all the world may be guilty before God. Therefore 
by the deeds of the law, there shall no flesh be justified in his 
sight ; for by the law is the knowledge of sin. The law 
worketh wrath. Rom. 10 : 5. 3 : 19, 20. 4 : 15. 

For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in 
one point he is guilty of all. James 2 : 10. 

As many as have sinned without law, shall also perish 
without law : and as many as have sinned in the law, shall be 
judged by the law. For the wages of sin is death : but the 
gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. 
This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that 
Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners. Neither is 
there salvation in any other ; for there is none other name 
under heaven given among men whereby we must be saved. 
Rom. 2:12. 6 : 23. 1 Tim. 1 : 15. Acts 4:12. 

Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost 
that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make 
intercession for them. Heb. V : 25. 

See also, John 7 : 19. Rom. 4 : 15. Deut. 27 : 26. Gal. 9 : 4. Jer. 13 : 23. 
Rom. 5 : 6. Isa. 53 : 4. 1 John 2:2. 2 Cor. 5 : 14. Rom. 4 : 24. 1 Tim. 
2 : 6. Rom. 8:1. 4:3. Isa. 59 : 16. Heh. 2 : 17. Ecc. 8 : 11. 1 John 1 : 10. 

S. M. 

Ah, how shall fallen man 
Be just before his God? 
If he contend in righteousness 
We fall beneath his rod. 

If he our way should mark, 
With strict inquiring eyes, 
Could we for one of thousand faulta 
A just excuse devise ? 

PRATER. 

Holy, holy, Lord God of hosts ! It becomes us to lay our 
hands upon our mouths and our faces in the dust when we ap- 
proach into thy presence. For we are not only without right- 
eousness, but without excuse for our unrighteousness. Having 
offended at one point, we have evinced the spirit of disobedience, 
and in effect we have broken the whole law, and are obnoxious 
to its punishment. But O Lord we have offended at many 
points and left the ground of our condemnation complete and 
unquestionable. Those who have possessed thy word are 
clearly condemned by its standard, and those without it are 
condemned by the law of their own consciences. And if 
their consciences condemn them God is greater and purer than 



110 BIBLE PRAYER BOOK. 

their consciences and will condemn them also. While the 
wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness 
and unrighteousness of men, pronouncing its curse against 
those who continue not in all things written in the book of 
the law to do them, we feel that by the deeds of the law no 
man living can be justified. By the law is the knowledge of 
sin, but not of salvation. May we by its discipline learn our sin- 
fulness, our helplessness, and our condemnation, and be warned 
and impelled to seek pardon and peace through our Lord 
Jesus Christ. We praise thee that there is no condemnation 
to those who are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh 
but after the spirit. If Christ intercedes for us who can con- 
demn us ? If God justifies, who can lay anything to our 
charge ? " Our Father," &c. 



XLIU— RESTORATION OF MAN. 

Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become 
as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdon of heaven. 
Come now and let us reason together, saith the Lord : though 
your sins be as scarlet they shall be as white as snow ; though 
they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. Let 
the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his 
thoughts : and let him return unto the Lord, and he will have 
mercy upon him, and to our God, for he will abundantly par- 
don. Say unto them, As I live, saith the Lord God, I have 
no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked, 
turn from his way and live : turn ye, turn ye from your evil 
ways, for why will ye die, O house of Israel ? A new heart 
also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you, 
and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I 
will give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit 
within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall 
keep my judgments, and do them. Come unto me all ye 
that labor, and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 
Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me, for I am meek and 
lowly of heart : and ye shall find rest unto your souls. If 
any man be in Christ, he is a new creature : old things are 
passed away, behold, all things are become new. Matt, 



RESTORATION OF MAN. HI 

18 : 8. Isaiah 1 : 18. 55 : 7. Ezek. 36 : 26, 27. Matt. 
11 : 28, 29. 2 Cor. 5 : 17. .gfeek 33 : 10, 11. 

See also, Isa. 1 : 11. 16, 17. Matt. 15 : 7, 8. Jer. 4 : 3, 4. Joel. 2 : 12, 13. 
Ezek. 18 : 30-32. Acts 3 : 19. Prov. 26 : 26. Isa. 42 : 18. 55 : 6. 7. John 
3 : 3-7. Matt. 18 : 3. Isa. 1 : 18. Eph. 4 : 22-24. ,2 Cor. 5 : 17. Sam. 4 : 7, 8. 
Jer. 31 : 18, 19. Isa. 38 : 17. 

S.M. 

How heavy is the night 
That hangs upon our eyes, 
Till his reviving light 
Over our souls arise! 

Our guilty spirits dread 
To meet the wrath of heaven, 
But, in his righteousness array 'd, 
We see our sins forgiven. 

PRAYER. 

We adore thee as our creator, preserver and bountiful bene- 
factor. We praise thee for thy benificence to us and to all 
mankind ; and especially for the redemption of the world 
through Christ Jesus our Lord. When there was no eye to 
pity and no arm that could bring salvation, thine own eye 
looked with compassion and thine own arm was made bare 
for man's salvation. Thou didst lay help upon one who was 
able to save to the uttermost all who should come to God by 
him ; to restore to man all that was lost by the fall ; deliver 
him from all the miseries entailed by the great transgression ; 
and elevate him to holiness and happiness, the fellowship of 
angels and the fruition of the divine presence. Enable us to 
avail ourselves humbly of the divine method of human salvation. 
May we cherish that conviction of our sins and our helpless- 
ness, which will make us seek and prize the mediation and 
righteousness of Jesus Christ. While he is made unto 
us as our representative wisdom and righteousness, sanctifica- 
tion and redemption, may these virtues be wrought in us 
in progressive sanctification. May we hate the sins that 
are forgiven, and avoid their repetition in the future. May 
we remember that we are not restored by Christ without 
faith, repentance and reformation, but, through them ; that if 
any man be in Christ Jesus he is a new creature : old relishes 
and habits and associations of sin have passed away, and all 
his tastes and manner of life and companionship have become 
new. We rejoice that this way of salvation is open to all, 
that whosoever cometh to thee by it thou wilt in nowise cast 



112 BIBLE PRAYER BOOK. 

out. let the ends of the earth look to thee in Christ Jesus 
and be saved. As man has fallen in the first may he rise in the 
second Adam. May all the tribes of earth look upon him 
whom they pierce by their sins and weep and mourn and 
turn to God. What the law by its threatenings or its cere- 
monies could not effect, may the gospel accomplish by its 
promises and its compassion. Let the unspeakable love of 
God subdue all the hearts of the race to penitence and re- 
formation. And may the cry be heard from every part of 
the earth, in the Lord have I righteousness and salvation. 
May we seek to make our calling and election sure ; discharge 
with fidelity all our domestic, social and civil duties, and 
ever pray. " Our Father," &c. 



XLIY -DIVINITY AND MINISTRY OF THE HOLY SPIRIT. 

I tell you the truth, it is expedient for you that I go away ; 
for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you : 
but if I depart, I will send him unto you. I will pray the 
Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may 
abide with you for ever. Even the Spirit of truth, whom the 
world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither know- 
eth him : but ye know him, for he dwelleth with you, and 
shall be in you. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God 
they are the sons of God. For ye have not received the 
spirit of bondage again to fear : but ye have received the spirit 
of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. The Spirit itself 
beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of 
God. 

The spirit also helpeth our infirmities ; for we know not 
what we should pray for as we ought : but the spirit itself 
maketh intercession for us with groanings, which cannot be 
uttered. Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and 
that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you ? 

Grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed 
unto the day of redemption. Except a man be born of water 
and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. 
The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the 
sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whi- 
ther it goeth : so is every one that is born of the Spirit. Rom. 



DIVINITY AND MINISTRY OF THE HOLY SPIRIT. 113 

8 : 14, 15, 16. Rom. 8 : 26. 1 Cor. 3 : 16. John 16 : 7. 
John 14 : 16, IT. Eph. 4 : 30. John 3 : 5. John 3 : 8. 

See also, Tit. 3 : 15. Eph. 1 : 13. Rom. 8 : 14-16. Gal. 5 : 22, 23. Rom. 5 : 
6-15. 13 : 2. 2 Cor. 1 : 22. Luke 11 : 13. ActsO : 31. Matt.12 : 31, 32. Ps. 
51 : 11. Zech. 4 : 6. lsa. 59 : 19. Gen 6. : 3. 

S. M. 

'Tis God the Spirit leads 

In paths before unknown; 

The work to be performed is ours, 

The strength is all his own. 

'Tis he that works to will, 
'Tis he that works to do : 
His is the power by which we act, 
His be the glory too, 

PRAYER. 

O thou who art the source of all good, we thank thee that 
thou hast revealed to us thy Holy Spirit as co-equal with thy- 
self and with thine only beloved son, our Lord and Saviour 
Jesus Christ. We thank thee for his mission into this world 
of sin, for the work which he has accomplished in that great 
scheme of redemption which thine own wisdom has devised, 
— that holy men of God spake as they were moved by the 
Holy Ghost, that through him the Messiah received his 
anointing, was conceived and born of a woman, was guided 
through a life of trial, of insult and suffering, and was sustained 
in these and ineffable agonies on the cross by which he expiated 
our guilt and became the end of the law for righteousness to all 
who believe. We thank thee, O God, that this same Holy 
Spirit is to convince the world of sin, of righteousness and of 
a judgment to come and to sustain the office of another comforter 
to thy people until the dawn of that glorious and welcome 
day when Jesus Christ shall appear the second time without 
sin unto salvation. Shed down, we entreat thee, his gracious 
influences that we may see the depth of our own guilt, that 
we may be truly humbled in view of our transgressions against 
thine inflexible authority; that we may experience that godly 
sorrow, that true repentance, which needeth not so be repent- 
ed of; that we may be guided to the cross; that we may- 
exercise implicit faith in the merits of that precious blood 
there so freely and mercifully shed as an atonement for our 
guilt, and that we may attain to that complete victory over 
our corrupt propensities and to that entire sanctification from 
all sin which can alone satisfy the longings of those who as- 



114 BIBLE PRAYER BOOK. 

pire to holy communion with God. Grant thy Holy Spirit to 
those who know thee not, that they may be created anew in 
Christ Jesus and experience that new birth without which no 
man can see the kingdom of God. May those who have 
already shared thy regenerating grace be enabled through the 
aid of thy spirit to exemplify daily the principles of a true 
and enlightened piety ; may they be sincere and without 
offence, being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which 
are by Jesus Christ unto the glory and praise of God. May 
thy church while in her militant state on earth, be supplied 
from thine infinite fulness with all those aids and graces and 
gifts w T hich are essential to the accomplishment of her work 
here and to her ultimate triumph. We thank thee that 
though there be diversities of gifts there is the same spirit, 
though there be differences of administrations, there is the 
same Lord, though there be diversities of operations, yet it is 
the same God who worketh all in all. May the speedy tri- 
umph of the gospel, the diffusion of truth, the universal pre- 
valence of pure religion, indicate to us that thou art fulfilling 
thine own promise in that abundant outpouring of thy spirit; 
which is to characterise these last days upon which we have 
already entered. Hear and grant our supplications, O thou 
most merciful God, which we offer in the name and through 
the mediation of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, and the 
praise shall be ascribed to the Father, and to the Son, and to 
the Holy Spirit. Amen. 



XL VI— FINAL HAPPINESS OF THE RIGHTEOUS. 

Father, I will that they whom thou hast given me be with 
me where I am : that they may behold my glory which thou 
hast given me : for thou loved st me before the foundation of 
the world. In my Father's house are many mansions : if it 
were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place 
for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will 
come again and receive you unto myself; that where I am, 
there ye may be also. We, according to his promise, look 
for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteous- 
ness. Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the 
kingdom of their Father. And there shall be no night there ; 
and they need no candle, neither light of the sun ; for the 



FINAL HAPPINESS OF THE RIGHTEOUS. 115 

Lord God giveth them light, and they shall reign for ever 
and ever. They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any 
more ; neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat. 
For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed 
them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters : 
and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes. 

Blessed are the dead which die in the Loi^l from henceforth : 
Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labors ; 
and their works do follow them. But as it is written, Eye 
hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the 
heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them 
that love him. For I reckon, that the sufferings of this pre- 
sent time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which 
shall be revealed in us. Our light affliction, which is but for 
a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal 
weight of glory. John 17 : 24. 14 : 2, 3. 2 Pet. 3:13. 
Rev. 22 : 5. 7 : 15, 16. 14 : 13. 1 Cor. 2 : 9. Rom. 
8 : 18. 2 Cor. 4 : 17. 

See also 2 Pet. 3 : 13. Rev. 21 : 2. 27 Matt. 13 : 43, Rev. 22 : 5. 7 : 15-17 
14 : 3. 1 John. 3:2. 1 Pet. 4 : 13. Rom. 8 : 18. 2 Cor. 4 : 17. Luke 12 : 32. 
2 Thess. 1 : 7. Matt. 6 : 20. Isa. 60 : 20. Jude 24 : 25. Heb. 12 : 22-24. Ps. 
16 : 11. 

C. M. 

Nor eye hath seen, nor ear hath heard. 
Nor sense nor reason known, 
What joys the Father hath prepared 
For those who love his Son. 

But the good Spirit of the Lord 
Reveals a heaven to come ; 
The beams of glory in his word. 
Allure and guide us home. 

Those holy gates forever bar 
Pollution sin and shame; 
And none shall gain admittance there 
But followers of the Lamb. 

PRAYER. 

We bless thee God, that however diversified the condition 
of thy people in the world, there is reserved for them an in- 
heritance undefiled and that fadeth not away. Whether the 
journey of life be abridged or prolonged, it terminates for them 
beyond the wilderness, over the Jordan, amid the blissful 
scenes of Canaan. We thank thee for that benediction uttered 
by thy voice from heaven, " Blessed are the dead who die in 
the Lord." We hail it as a bow of promise arching the horizon 



J 16 BIBLE PRAYER BOOK. 

of a dying world. Resting from their labors, and followed by 
their works, thy people shall inherit mansions prepared for 
them before the foundation of the world. They shall be with 
thee where thou art, and behold thy glory. In thy presence 
is fulness of joy, and at thy right hand are pleasures forever 
more. All the vicissitudes of life shall work together for their 
good. Their trials and their conflicts here, will only make 
them richer there. Lord may this promise of the righteous 
become the promise of the whole earth. We thank thee that 
a promise is left to all of entering into rest ; that the provi- 
sions and promises of the Gospel may be preached to all ; and 
all may lay hold of the hojJt set before them in the Gospel. 
O gather thy sons from afar, and thy daughters from the ends 
of the earth, and may an exceeding great multitude that no 
man can number sit down with Abraham and Isaac and Jacob 
in the kingdom of heaven. may the promised felicities of 
the heavenly state attract the admiration and pursuit of all 
classes and conditions of men. Enable us to lay up a good 
foundation against the time to come. Gather us with that 
general assembly whose names are written in heaven. Re- 
member us with the favor thou bearest to thy people, and let 
not temptations separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus. 
May we suffer with him joyfully, that we may be glorified 
together with him. " Our Father," &c. 



XLVIL— FINAL PUNISHMENT OF THE WICKED. 

Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the 
kingdom of God ? Be not deceived : neither fornicators, nor 
idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of them- 
selves with mankind, nor thieves, nor coveteous, nor drunk- 
ards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom 
of God. 

As the tares are gathered and burned in the fire : so shall 
it be in the end of this world. The son of man shall send 
forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all 
things that offend, and them which do iniquity : then shall 
he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye 
cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his 
angels. And these shall go away into everlasting punishment : 
but the righteous into life eternal. 



FINAL PUNISHMENT OF THE WICKED. nf 

Marvel not at this : for the hour is coming, in the which 
all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, and shall come 
forth, they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life, 
and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damna- 
tion. 

The heavens and the earth which are now, are kept in store 
reserved unto fire against the day of judgment, and perdition 
of ungodly men ; when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from 
heaven, with his mighty angels, in flaming fire, taking ven- 
geance on them that know not God, and that obey not the 
Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ, who shall be punished with 
everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and 
from the glory of his power. 1 Cor. 6 : 9, 10. Matt. 13 : 
40, 41. Matt. 25 : 41, 46. John 5 : 28, 29. 2 Peter 3 : 
7. 1 Thes. 1 : 7, 8, 9. 

See also John 5 : 28. 29. Matt. 7 : 21-33. Deut. 31 : 35-41. Rom. 2 : 8, 9. 
3 : 5. 6. 2 Pet. 2 : 4, 9. Luke 10 : 22-24. Mark 9 : 43, 44. 1 John 5 : 16. 
Mark 3 : 28, 29. Matt. 13 : 47, 48. Ps. 92 : 7. Prov. 11 : 7. Ps. 73 : 3-9. 16-19. 
Ps. 11 : 6 

L. M. 

Lord, what a thoughtless wretch was I, 
To mourn and murmur and repine, 
To see the wicked placed on high, 
In pride and robes of honor shine ! 

But, 0, their end, their dreadful end! 
Thy faithful word hath taught me so ; 
On slippery rocks I see them stand. 
And fiery billows roll below. 

PRAYER. 

thou who art of purer eyes than to behold sin with allow- 
ance enable us who are sinful creatures to tremble in appre- 
hension of the just consequences of our sins. If angels were 
cast down to hell ; a depraved generation destroyed by a 
flood, and the cities of the plain set forth as an example of 
signal retribution on account of their sins ; may we feel assu- 
red that no rank or generation of men, no community, or fa- 
mily, or individual, can hope to escape the judgment of God 
against all unrighteousness of men. For thou, Lord, knowest 
how to reserve the ungodly to the judgment and perdition of 
ungodly men. O enable us to feel that sin bears its sentence 
within itself; that estranging man from God, it necessarily 
dries up the sources of his happiness, digs for him the abyss 
of despair : that all the miseries of earth are but the foretaste 
of its consummated punishment. When the wicked shall de- 



118 BIBLE PRAYER BOOK. 

part from the left hand of the final judge into everlasting 
punishment, where the worm of their torture diest not, and 
the fire of their anguish is not quenched ; when Christ shall 
be revealed from heaven in flaming fire taking vengeance on 
them who knoAv not God, and obey not the Gospel, gather 
not our souls with the wicked on whose head the storm of thy 
wrath shall beat ceaseless, pitiless and eternal. May we be- 
come the companions of all who fear thee, and stand with 
them in the judgment. We rejoice that in proportion to the 
magnitude of the punishment threatened against sin, is the 
fulness of motive and provision for his escape from it. 

Instead of caviling at the penalty of thy law, may we ob- 
serve it in Jesus Christ. Instead of speculating about possible 
modes of escaping the penalty, may we wisely and earnestly 
strive to avoid the transgression. O Jesus ! may we find in 
thee an advocate for the coming trial — a covert from the 
coming storm ! " Our Father," &c. 



XLVIIL— LORD'S DAY MORNING. 

The chapters indicated before the following selections are 
recommended for frequent reading in the family, and in the 
closet. 

Matt. 2 Is*, 22c?, 23c? chapters. Luke 23c?, 2±th chapters. 
Isa. 53d chapter. Ps. 1st, 2nd, 8th, 15th, 19th, &Mh. 

C. M. 

When the worn spirit wants repose, 
And sighs her God to seek, 
How sweet to hail the evening's close, 
That ends the weary week ! 

How sweet to hail the early dawn, 
That opens on the sight. 
When first that soul reviving morn 
Sheds forth new rays of light ! 

Sweet day ! thine hours too soon will cease, 
Yet, while they gently roll, 
Sweet day ! thine hours too soon will cease. 
A Sabbath o'er my soul. 

PRAYER. 

Lord of the Sabbath help us to rejoice and be glad in the 
recurrence of this day. In wisdom and in kindness to our 






LORD'S DAY MORNING. 119 

race thou hast appointed it as a period for physical repose, 
and spiritual devotion, Let us not do our own works or 
think our own thoughts, but call the Sabbath a delight, and 
honor it in its religious design. We would bless thee this 
morning for thy preserving care exercised over us during the 
past week ; its dangers have been escaped ; its difficulties sur- 
mounted ; and its trials endured ; and as we are the preserved, 
the cared for, may we be also the living to praise thee. We 
would thankfully recall the subjects which this day suggests 
to our minds ; especially that it was on the first day of the 
week that the great proof of our being under the new cove- 
nant of grace was given to the world, by the fact of the resur- 
rection from the dead of our adorable Redeemer, who has as- 
sured us that because he lives, his people shall live also. May 
we have grace to discharge all the duties of this day accept- 
ably and devoutly ; like the beloved disciple, may we be in 
the spirit on the Lord's day ; and let the food administered 
to us be sweet to our taste and invigorating to our souls. 
While thou art bringing us into thy banqueting let thy ban- 
ner over us be love ; and though our eyes are not as yet per- 
mitted to see the King in his beauty, yet we pray thee reveal 
thyself to us by faith. Let the Shekinah of thy presence, 
though invisible to eyes of flesh, be manifested to our waiting 
souls ; and thus may we, led from heartfelt experience to say, 
" How amiable are thy tabernacles, O Lord God of hosts ! 
and to confess that a day spent in thy courts is better than a 
thousand elsewhere. And let it please thee to grant that 
great grace may rest upon all the congregations of thy peo- 
ple this day ; as thou lovest the gates of Zion, more than all 
the dwellings of Jacob, may they feel that thou hast given 
salvation in Zion, for Israel thy glory. And may the trumpet 
of the gospel give a certain sound to those who are ignorant 
of or neglecting its requirements, and let those who are spir- 
itually poor, and maimed, and halt and blind, be gatlwed in, 
that thy house may be full. 

Our Father which art in heaven, <fec. 



XLIX.— LORD'S DAY MORNING. 

Matt. 24th, 25th chapters. John 1st, 3d, 4th, 5th. Ps, 
23c?, 24th, 21th, 34th. Amos 1st, 4th, 5th, 6th, chapters. 



120 BIBLE PRAYER BOOK. 



L. M. 

Come, dearest Lord, and bless this day, 
Come bear our thoughts from earth away j 
Now let our noblest passions rise 
With ardor to their native skies. 

Come, Holy Spirit, all divine, 
With rays of light upon us shine, 
And let our waiting souls be blest, 
On this sweet day of sacred rest. 

Then when our sabbaths here are o'er, 
And we arrive on Canaan's shore, 
With all the ransomed we shall spend, 
A sabbath which shall never end. 

PRAYER. 

Lord, this is the day which thou hast made, we will re- 
joice and be glad in it. let our minds be withdrawn from 
the world. Let our retirement be devout. Let our meditation 
be sweet. Let our conversation be edifying. Let our read- 
ing be pious. Let our hearing be profitable — and on Thee 
may we wait all the day ! 

Afford us the supply of the spirit of Jesus Christ. Thou 
knowest our infirmities — let thy strength be made perfect in 
our weakness. Our dangers are numberless, hold Thou us up, 
and we shall be safe. The burdens we feel would press our 
lives down to the ground — lay underneath us thine everlasting 
arms. Fears alarm us ; cares corrode us ; losses impoverish 
us ; our very affections are the sources of our afflictions ; 
surely man walketh in a vain show ; surely we are disquieted 
in vain : all, all is vanity and vexation of spirit. While 
in the world we have tribulation, in Thee may we have 
peace : and in the multitude of our thoughts within us, may 
thy comforts delight our souls ! 

Y&, Lord, we would remember, that gratitude becomes 
us much more than complaint. Our afflictions have been light, 
compared with our guilt ; and few, compared with the suffer- 
ings of others. They have all been attended with numberless 
alleviations : they have all been needful ; all designed to work 
together for our good. We bless Thee for what is past ; and 
trust Thee for what is future ; and cast all our care upon Thee, 
knowing that Thou carest for us. 

Bless us in all our domestic and social relations. May we 
always cherish and display feelings of benevolence towards 



LORD'S DAY EVENING. 121 

our dependants, of forgiveness towards our enemies, of peace 
towards our neighbors, and of candor towards our fellow 
Christians. May we be able to say with our Lord and Saviour, 
whosoever shall do the will of my Father that is in heaven, 
the same is my brother, and sister, and mother ; and pray witli 
Paul, Grace be with all them that love our Lord Jesus Christ 
in sincerity. 

May the goings of our God and King be seen, this day, in 
every Christian sanctuary. Go with us to thy house, and 
give testimony to the word of thy grace. May it have free 
course, and be glorified in the hearts and lives of those that 
shall hear it. May it enlighten the ignorant; awaken the 
careless ; reclaim the wandering ; establish the weak ; com- 
fort the feeble minded ; and make ready a people prepared 
for the Lord. 

Remember those who are this day denied our advantages. 
Be a little sanctuary to them in the midst of their privations ; 
and let them know that Thou art not confined to temples 
made with hands. And O forget not those who never en- 
joyed our privileges ; never smiled when a Sabbath appeared ; 
never heard of the name of a Saviour ; and let thy way be 
known on earth, thy saving health among all nations ! Our 
Father, &c. 



L.— LORD'S DAY EVENING. 



Matt. 27th, 28th chapters. Ps. 42d, 43d, 50th. 1st Sam. 
2d, 3d, 17th chapters. Acts 25th, 26th, 27th. 

L. M. 

Sweet is the work, my God, my King, 
To praise thy name, give thanks and sing : 
To show thy love by morning light, 
And talk of all thy truth at night 

Sweet is the day of sacred rest ; 
No mortal cares shall seize my breast ; 
O may my heart in tune be found, 
Like David's harp of solemn sound I 

My heart shall triumph in my Lord, 
And bless his works and bless his word 5 
Thy works of grace how bright they shine 1 
How deep thy counsels 1 how divine 1 
6 



122 BIBLE PRAYER BOOK. 



PRAYER 



It is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord, and to 
sing praises unto thy name, O Most High ! to show forth 
thy loving kindness in the morning, and thy faithfulness every 
night. We have this evening to acknowledge the blessings, 
not only of another day, but of another sabbath. We thank 
thee that the lines are fallen to us in pleasant places, and that 
we have a goodly heritage ; so that we can add to private me- 
ditation and devotion the public ordinances of religion. We 
bless thee that we have not only the Scriptures, but the min- 
istry of the Gospel ; and that we have often seen thy glory 
in the sanctuary, and found the house of God, the gate of 
heaven. 

But, God, the effects we experience while waiting upon 
Thee, though delightful, are often transitory, and prove like 
the morning cloud and early dew. Before the lapse of a sin- 
gle day, we are compelled to complain, My soul cleaveth unto 
the dust. Render therefore the impressions made upon us 
deep and durable ; and let thy word dwell in us richly in all 
wisdom. 

May the instructions we receive attend us in every part of 
our ordinary life, and regulate and excite us in the discharge 
of all our relative duties, so that whether we are husbands or 
wives, parents or children, masters or servants, we may adorn 
the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things. 

We take shame to ourselves, not only for our open viola- 
tions of thy law, but for our secret faults, our omissions of 
duty, our unprofitable attendance on the means of grace, our 
carnality in worshiping Thee, and all the sins of our holy 
things. 

Pity those who have this day been deprived of the public 
means of grace by sickness or infirmity. Let them know 
that Thou art not confined to temples made with hands. Be 
with them in trouble, while it is needful for them to suffer it, 
and then deliver them out of it, that they may glorify thee. 
And remember the millions who were never favored with the 
advantages we enjoy, never smiled when a sabbath appeared ; 
who never heard of the name of Jesus ; they feel guilt, but 
know nothing of the blood that cleanseth from all sin ; they 
feel depravity, but know nothing of the renewing of the Holy 
Ghost. send out thy light and thy truth. Let thy way 
be known on earth, thy saving health among all nations. 



LORD'S DAY EVENING. 123 

We now commit ourselves with all our connections into 
thy hands. Guard us through the defenceless hours of sleep 
from every evil to which we are exposed. If, as life is always 
uncertain, it should please Thee to call us hence this night, 
may we awake in glory and be for ever with the Lord ; or if 
thou shouldst continue us in being, may we rise in health and 
comfort to pay Thee the homage of a grateful heart in a 
course of cheerful obedience. 

In thy favor is life — do thou bless us and we shall be 
blessed — safe from every evil, and assured of every good. And 
prepare us at length for the rest that remains for thy people ; 
in which we shall join the general assembly and church of 
the first born, in ascribing blessing and honor and glory and 
power to Him that sitteth upon the throne, and to the Lamb 
for ever and ever. Amen. 



LI.— LORD'S DAY EVENING. 



Matt. 3d, 4\th, 5th, 6th, 1th. Ps. 61st, 62d, 65th. Heb. 
3d. Isa. 35th. Acts 28th. Ps. 133d, 14:5th. Bom. 5th, 
8th. 

C. M. 

This sacred day, Great God, we close, 
With gratitude and love, 
And bless Thee for the joyful news 
Which hails us from above. 

May we retain the glorious truths, 
Recorded in Thy word, 
And with obedient lives adorn, 
The doctrine of the Lord. 

Ere long we hope to meet and join 
The ransomed throng in bliss : 
With joy Thy earthly courts will love, 
To dwell where Jesus is. 

PRAYER. 

God, the heavens declare thy glory. The earth is full of 
thy riches. The universe is thy temple. Thy presence fills 
immensity. It is thy pleasure to produce life, and to commu- 
nicate happiness. From thee we have derived all we are, and 
all we own ; and in thee we live and move and have our be- 
ing continued. Thy good providence has determined the 



124 BIBLE PRAYER BOOK. 

bounds of our habitation, and wisely administered all our af- 
fairs. 

But above all, we bless Thee for the exceeding riches of thy 
grace, in thy kindness towards us by Christ Jesus. Thanks 
be unto God for his unspeakable gift, and for the unclouded- 
revelation of Him in the word of truth. There we behold his 
person and character, his grace and glory. There we see him 
when rich, for our sakes becoming poor, and dying that we 
may live ; delivered for our offences, and raised again for our 
justification. May we deeply feel our need of this dispensa- 
tion, in all its parts, and in all its influences ; and with Peter 
exclaim, Lord, save, I perish ; and with the publican, God be 
merciful to me a sinner. 

Convince us of the pollution of sin, as well as of its guilt, 
that we may not only have our fear excited, but our aversion ; 
that with Job we may see that we are vile ; and abhor our- 
selves, repenting in dust and ashes. May we feel the neces- 
sity of renovation as well as forgiveness, in order to our serving 
and enjoying Thee in time and eternity. O Thou holy God, 
who hast no fellowship with iniquity, subdue in us the love 
of sin ; create in us a clean heart, and renew in us a right 
spirit. 

May we not be in the number of those who are always 
learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth ; 
but may our hearts be established with grace. May we never 
rest in a mere system of doctrine, however scriptural, that 
does not bring salvation, or teach us to deny ungodliness and 
worldly lusts, and to live soberly, righteously and godly, in 
the present world ; looking for that blessed hope, and the glo- 
rious appearing of the great God, and our Saviour Jesus Christ. 
May we live in the spirit, and may we walk in the spirit; and 
instead of relying on our own convictions and resolutions, may 
we be strong in the Lord and in the power of his might. 

In all our duties, conflicts and trials, may his grace be suffi- 
cient for us. To Him who gives rest to the weary and heavy 
laden, may we repair in all our spiritual distresses, in all our 
outward troubles, and in all the dissatisfactions experienced 
in creature enjoyments. From a world where all is vanity 
and vexation of spirit, may we retreat to Him who is full of 
grace and truth ; a Friend that loveth at all times ; who is 
touched with the feeling of our infirmities ; and who is able 
to do for us exceeding abundantly above all we can ask or 
think. 



LORD'S DAY EVENING. 125 

Prepare us for our final hour, and for all the scenes through 
which we have to pass in the remainder of our pilgrimage. 
May we know how to be abased, and how to abound. May 
we learn in whatsoever state we are therewith to be content. 
May we stand complete in all the will of God. 

Do us good by all thy dispensations ; and especially sanc- 
tify to us all the means of grace. We bless Thee that we 
have been favored with another sabbath, and have had oppor- 
tunities of repairing to the sanctuary, to mingle our prayers 
and praises with the devotions of thy people, and to hear the 
words of eternal life. We grieve to think that so much of 
the precious seed sown by thy servants should fall by the way- 
side, so much upon stony places, and so much among thorns, 
and that so little fruit is brought forth to perfection. May it 
appear that we have not received the grace of God in vain ; 
but that thy word in us is like good seed sown in good ground 
which springeth up and bringeth forth, in some an hundred 
fold, in some sixty and in some thirty. 

And suffer us not to confine our religion to extraordinary 
occasions ; but help us to acknowledge Thee in all our ways. 
May we never limit our devotion to particular seasons, but be 
in the fear of the Lord all the day long. May we be godly, 
not only on the sabbath, but in the week ; not only in the 
house of God, but in our own. 

May our piety not be a dress, but a habit ; not only a ha- 
bit, but a nature — a life — the life of God. And at last by 
thy grace and guidance, may we enter that world where there 
is no temple, but the glory of God and of the Lamb is the 
temple thereof. But, how can we endure to see the destruc- 
tion of our kindred ! O Lord, let those who are united to us 
by so many ties, be precious in thy sight, and devoted to thy 
praise. Sanctify and succeed domestic devotion and instruc- 
tion, discipline and example ; and may our houses be nurse- 
ries for heaven, from which our churches, as the gardens of 
the Lord, shall be enriched with trees of righteousness, the 
planting of the Lord, that he may be glorified. ' Bless all who 
are connected with us by religious ties. Save thy people and 
bless thine inheritance; feed them also and lift them up for 
ever. Regard us as a nation, inspire all ranks and degrees 
of men among us with a love to that righteousness which ex- 
alte th a nation. Let thy way be known on earth, thy saving 
health among all nations, through our Lord Jesus Christ. 



126 BIBLE PRAYER BOOK. 



LIL— MORNING. 



Matt. 8th, 10th, 11th, 16th, 11 th chapters. Ps. l2d, 13d, 
80th. 1st Kings, 2d, 10th, 18th. Prov. 8th, 22d, 23d. 
Pom. 10 th, 12 th. 

C. M. 

Once more, my soul, the rising day 
Salutes thy waking eyes, 
Once more, my voice, thy tribute pay 
To him who rules the skies. 

"lis he supports my mortal frame ; 
My tongue shall speak his praise ; 
My sins would rouse his wrath to flame, 
And yet his wrath delays. 

Great God let all my powers be thine, 
While I enjoy the light ; 
Then shall my sun in smiles decline, 
And bring a peaceful night. 

P RAYER. 

Again we lift up our eyes unto the hills from whence 
cometh our help. Our help is in the name of the Lord God, 
who made heaven and earth. 

Thou art the author of all existence, and the source of all 
blessedness. We adore Thee for making us capable of know- 
ing Thee; for possessing us with reason and conscience; and 
for leading us to enquire, Where is God my maker, that 
giveth songs in the night ? We praise Thee for all the infor- 
mation with which we are favored to bring us to thyself; es- 
pecially the revelation of the Gospel. Here we see thy 
thoughts towards us, and find that they are thoughts of peace 
and not of evil. Here we see Thee waiting to be gracious, 
and exalted to have mercy. Here thou hast told our con- 
sciences how the guilty can be pardoned, the unholy can be 
sanctified, and the poor furnished with unsearchable riches. 
• May we be found in the number of those who not only 
hear but know the joyful sound, that we may walk in the light 
of thy countenance, in thy name rejoice all the day, and in 
thy righteousness be exalted. May we believe the record, 
that Thou hast given to us eternal life, and that this life is in 
thy Son. And since it is not only a faithful saying, but 
worthy of all acceptation, that He came into the world to 
save sinners, to Him may we look alone for salvation, knowing 



MORNING. 127 

that those who come to him, he will in nowise cast out. We 
desire to have nothing more to do with sin; and pray to be 
restored to thy image, as to be reinstated to thy favor. Up- 
hold us in all our doings by thy free spirit ; and enable us 
to run in the way of thy commandments with freedom and 
delight. 

May we cherish simplicity and godly sincerity of character: 
may we be in reality before God, what we are in appearance 
before men — Israelites indeed in whom is no guile. May we 
not be looking back after the forbidden follies and vanities of 
the world, but with our affections set on things that are above, 
walk worthy of him who has called us to his kingdom and 
glory. 

And while we are partakers of thy grace, may we be also 
the dispensers of it. Freely having received, may we freely 
give. May we feel it to be the sublimest satisfaction, and count 
it the greatest reward, to save a soul from death, and to hide a 
multitude of sins, and while professing to do good may we 
be prepared to bear evil. May we consider Him who endured 
the contradiction of sinners against himself; and if reviled, 
revile not again ; or if opposed or slighted, never grow weary 
in well-doing. 

But we bless thee that the lines are fallen to us in pleasant 
places. We are strangers to the sufferings of those who have 
gone before us ; and cannot only sit ourselves, but call every 
man his neighbor, under the vine and under the fig-tree. May 
we avail ourselves of our opportunities, and unite with those 
around us to taste and see that the Lord is good while it is 
called to day, knowing how soon the night of death cometh 
when no man can work. O God couut us worthy of this calling, 
and fulfil in us all the good pleasure of thy goodness and the 
work of faith with power ; that the name of our Lord Jesus 
Christ may be glorified in us and we in him, according to 
the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen. 



LIIL— MORNING. 



Mark 2d, 1th, 10th, 12th chapters. Ps. 84th, 85th, 90th. 
2d Kings, 2d, 4th chapters. Num. 12th, 14th chapters. 
Sam. 1st, 2d, 3d chapters. 1st Cor. 13th, 15th chapters. 



128 BIBLE PRAYER BOOK. 

C. M. 

Lord of my life, may Thy praise 
Employ my noblest powers, 
Whose goodness lengthens out my days 
And fills the circling hours. 

Preserved by thine almighty arm 
I passed the shades of night, 
Secure and safe from every harm 
And see returning light. 

O Let the same almighty care 
My waking hours attend : 
From every danger, every snare, 
My heedless steps defend. 

Smile on my minutes as they roll, 
And guide my future days : 
And let Thy goodness fill my soul 
With gratitude and praise. 

PRAYER. 

Lord, Thou art good, and thou doest good. Thou hast 
revealed thyself as nigh unto all that call upon Thee in truth. 
May we who now address thee be found the heirs of this pro- 
mise ; suffer us not to incur the reproach of drawing near to 
thee with the mouth and honoring thee with our lips, while 
our hearts are far from thee. Unite our hearts to fear thy 
name; and grant that we may worship thee in the spirit, and 
rejoice in Christ Jesus and have no confidence in the flesh. 

We remember that we are sinners, and acknowledge the 
multitude and aggravations of our offences. Conscious not 
only of the reality, but the greatness of our guilt, we could 
indulge no hope, hadst not Thou exhibited thine infinite bene- 
volence and revealed a Mediator, in whom Thou art reconcil- 
ing the world unto thyself, not imputing their trespass unto 
them. 

Thou hast not left thyself without witness, in that Thou 
hast been doing us good, and giving us rain from heaven and 
fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness. 
But herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved 
us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. 
Blessed be thy name, we have all the certainty we could de- 
sire, that with Thee there is mercy. That mercy the publi- 
can sought and found : that mercy has never disappointed 
any that trusted in it ; that mercy at this very moment cries 
to us, Ask and it shall be given you, seek and ye shall find. 



MORNING. 129 

Lord, we avail ourselves of thine invitation, and plead thy 
promise ! According to the multitude of thy tender mercies 
blot out our transgressions. Create in us also a clean heart, 
and renew a right spirit within us. O visit us with thy salva- 
tion, in the illumination of the mind, and the sanctification 
of the life ; in all the comforts of the Holy Ghost, and in all 
the fruits of the Spirit. May we willingly obey all thy com- 
mands, and cheerfully submit to all thy appointments. In 
the annihilation of self-will, and in the temper of implicit de- 
votedness, may we, as to every duty, say, Lord, what wilt 
thou have me to do ? And as to every event, Here I am, do 
to me what seemeth thou good, and enable us to maintain a 
christian temper and behaviour in all the changing scenes of 
providence, that all things may work together, if not for our 
gratification, yet for our good. 

May we disengage ourselves from the present evil world, 
and be received and acknowledged as the sons and daughters 
of the Lord Almighty. May the righteous be our attraction 
and delight ; and though few in number, and despised by the 
foolish and wicked, may we go with them, because God is 
with them : and like Moses, may we choose rather to suffer 
affliction with the people of God, than enjoy the pleasures of 
sin for a season. 

By thy mercies we renew this morning the consecration of 
ourselves to thy service. Go forth with us into the concerns 
of the day. Keep us in all our ways. Uphold our goings 
therefore in thy word, and let no iniquity have dominion over 
us. May we abstain from all appearance of evil ; and the 
very God of peace sanctify us wholly : and may our whole spi- 
rit and soul and body, be preserved blameless unto the com- 
ing of our Lord Jesus Christ. 

And to God only wise, the Father, the Son and the Holy 
Ghost, be ascribed all honor and praise for ever and ever. 
Amen. 



LIY.— MORNING. 



Matt. 18th, 19th, 20th. Ps. 91st, 98th. Eccl. 12th. 2 
Ch. 6th, 1th. Sam. 4th, 5th. 2d Cor. 5th, 6th. 

6* 



130 BIBLE PRAYER BOOK. 



Now the shades of night are gone ; 
Now is passed the early dawn; 
Lord we would be thine to day ; 
Drive the shades of sin away. 

Make our souls as noon-day clear; 
Banish every doubt and fear ; 
In Thy vineyard, Lord, to day. 
We would labor, we would pray. 

When our work of life is past, 
receive us all at last ; 
Labor then will all be o'er, 
Sin's dark night will be no more. 

PRAYER. 

O God, thou art the Creator, the upholder, and the proprie- 
tor of all things. Thy dominion is everlasting and universal. 
Thou doest according to thine own will in the armies of 
heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth : none can 
stay thy hand, or say unto Thee, What dost Thou ? 

We cannot escape from thy presence or control, nor do 
we^desire it. It is our privilege that we are under the agency, 
not only of omnipotence, but righteousness, wisdom, and love. 
Thou hast commended thy love toward us, in that while we 
were sinners Christ died for us. He that spared not his own 
Son but delivered Him up for us all — how shall He not 
with Him also freely give us all things ? Here may all our 
fears drop off from our minds ; here may we be filled with 
everlasting consolation and good hope through grace. 

May there be a real and living union between our souls 
and Him, that quickened together with Christ, we may be 
raised up, and made to sit with Him in the heavenly places. 
And to thee, our heavenly Father, and to thy Son Jesus Christ 
our Saviour, and to the Holy Spirit, our Comforter, one God, 
be praises evermore. Amen. 



LV.— MORNING. 

Luke 2d, 3d, 6th, 1th, 9th, Gen, Qth, 1th, 8th, Job 1st, 
28th, 29th. Gal. 5th, 6th. 



MORNING. 131 

C. M. 

A thousand precious gifts Lord, 
Our daily thanks employ ; 
Nor is the least a thankful heart 
That tastes those gifts with joy. 

Through every period of our life, 
Thy goodness we'll pursue 5 
And after death in distant worlds 
The glorious theme renew. 

Through all eternity to thee 
A joyful song we'll raise ; 
But eternity's too short 
To utter all thy praise. 

PRAYER. 

Our voice shalt Thou hear in the morning, Lord ; in 
the morning alone, and in our family, will we direct our 
prayer unto Thee and will look up. How well does it 
become us to be thankful ! Many during the past ni^ht 
have had no place where to lay their head. Many, the vic- 
tims of disease, have been full of tossing to and fro, until 
the dawning of the day ; so that their bed has not comfort- 
ed them, nor their couch eased their complaint. Many have 
been deprived of rest while watching over their connections 
in pain and sorrow. How many have slept the sleep of death, 
and will not awake till the heavens are no more. Others, 
whose lives are prolonged, have risen to be surrounded with 
want and wo ; and thousands who have all things richly to 
enjoy, have risen only to live another day without God in the 
world. 

And why is not this the case with us ? Thou, God, 
hast remembered and distinguished and indulged us. Bless 
the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me bless his holy 
name. O magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his 
name together. 

And thy mercies have been new every morning ; yea, 
every morning. All our desires have not been gratified ; 
but it was love that denied us, when the accomplishment of 
our wishes would have proved our ruin or our injury. We 
have had our trials, but they have been few compared with 
our sins ; they have been attended with numberless allevia- 
tions ; and when we have kissed the rod, it has fallen out of 
thy hand. Thou hast often wiped away our tears, and re- 
stored peace to thy mourners. Thou hast never chastened 



132 BIBLE PRAYER BOOK. 

us but for our profit. We already see the design of many 
of our griefs, aud can say, It is good for rne that I have been 
afflicted : and in all other cases, where darkness yet clouds 
the dispensation, we desire to walk by faith. We believe 
that Thou hast done all things well, and that thy work is 
perfect. 

But O, what do we owe Thee for the word of thy truth, 
the throne of thy grace, the Son of thy love — thy unspeak- 
able gift ! What do we owe Thee, if we have any reason to 
hope that we are in Christ, and free from all condemnation ; 
and that when He who is our life shall appear, we shall also 
appear with Him in glory, and be for ever with the Lord ! 

Surely, a gratitude becomes us that will not evaporate in 
a morning acknowledgment with the lip, but such as will 
keep us in the fear of the Lord all the day long, and lead us 
to ask, What shall I render unto the Lord for all his benefits 
towards me ? We therefore by the mercies of God present 
our bodies a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable unto Thee, 
which is our reasonable service. 

And now, Thou author of all good, we come to Thee for 
the grace another day will require — the grace its duties will 
require — the grace its events will require ; for we know not 
when we leave our apartments in the morning what a day 
will bring forth. But we know that we are stepping into a 
wicked world, and that we carry about us an evil heart : we 
know that without Thee we can do nothing ; and we know 
that there is nothing with which we shall have any concern 
in the day, however harmless in itself, but may prove an oc- 
casion of sinning, and falling, unless we are kept by the pow- 
er of God. We therefore desire to pray ourselves out of our 
own keeping, into thy keeping. Hold Thou us up and we 
shall be safe. Preserve our understandings from the subtilty 
of error ; our affections from the love of idols ; our senses 
from the ungovernable impressions of outward objects ; our 
character from every stain of vice ; our profession from every 
appearance of evil ; and may the God of peace sanctify us 
wholly, and may our whole spirit, soul and body, be preserved 
blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 

May we engage in nothing in which we cannot implore thy 
blessing, and to which we cannot welcome thy inspection. 
Prosper us in our lawful undertakings, or prepare us for dis- 
appointment. Give us neither poverty nor riches. Feed us 
with food convenient for us ; lest we be full and deny Thee, 



MORNING. 133 

and say, Who is the Lord ? or lest we be poor and steal, and 
take the name of our God in vain. 

May every creature be good to us, being* sanctified by the 
word of God and prayer. Teach us how to use the world as 
not abusing it. Enable us to improve our talents and to re- 
deem our time. May we walk in wisdom towards them that 
are without, and in kindness towards them that are within : 
and do good to all men as we have opportunity, especially 
unto them who are of the houshold of faith. 

And unto him that is able to keep us from falling, and to 
present us faultless before the presence of his glory with ex- 
ceeding joy — to the only wise God our Saviour be glory and 
majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen. 



LYI.— MORNING. 



John 9th, 10, 11th, 12 th. Job 6 th, 1th, 9 th. Num. 16 th, 
20th, 23d. Jud. 5th. Ruth. 1st, 3d, 4th. Job 40th, 41st, 
42d. Eph. 2d, 4th. 

L. M. 

My God, how endless is Thy love! 
Thy gifts are every evening new ; 
And morning mercies from above 
Gently distil like early dew. 

Thou spreadst the curtains of the night, 
Great Guardian of my sleeping hours : 
Thy sovereign word restores the light, 
And quickens all my drowsy powers. 

I yield my powers to Thy command ; 
To Thee I consecrate my days ; 
Perpetual blessings from Thy hand, 
Demand perpetual songs of praise. 

PRAYER. 

Thou, who wast, and art, and art to come, the Almighty. 
Thou art the Creator of the ends of the earth. Thou ait 
our Maker, and not only the frarner of our bodies, but the 
former of our souls — For there is a spirit in man and the in- 
spiration of the Almighty giveth him understanding. May 
we remember that Thou madest us upright, but that we have 
sought out many inventions. Let us not forget what we are 
what we deserve, and what we want in our present state. 



134 BIBLE PRAYER BOOK. 

Nor let us be ignorant of the provisions of thy mercy and 
grace ; nor of Him in whom it hath pleased Thee that all ful- 
ness should dwell. In all our outward troubles, and in all 
our spiritual distress, He is the hope and the consolation of 
Israel. May we receive the record, that Thou hast given to 
us eternal life, and that this life is in thy Son. To Him may 
we always look for relief, and to Him only; persuaded that 
there is none other name given under heaven among men 
whereby we must be saved. We know from thy word, that 
He came by water and by blood ; as these were not severed 
irfHheir effusion from the cross, may they never be separated 
in our creed and our experience. May we be equally convin- 
ced of the guilt and the pollution of sin ; may we alike feel 
our need of the Prince and the Saviour, and implore of Him 
repentance as well as forgiveness. May we love holiness and 
be pure in heart. O that our feet were directed to keep thy 
statutes ! that we had the same mind in us, which was 
also in Christ Jesus, and were enabled to tread in his steps, 
who has gone before us in every path of duty and trial ! 

As long as we are in the world, keep us from the evil ; and 
may we be always alive and awake to discharge every obli- 
gation resulting from our condition in life and the particular 
events of thy providence. 

We would not be at our own disposal, but rejoice to think we 
are under the care of one who is too wise to err, and too kind 
to injure. However ignorant of the future, we will trust aud 
not be afraid ; and begin, even in this vale of tears, the song 
we hope for ever to sing — Marvellous are thy works, Lord 
God Almighty ; just and true are all thy ways, Thou King 
of saints ! 

Thou hast been pleased again to renew our time and our 
strength and our comforts; help us to renew our purposes and 
resolutions to obey and serve Thee. In all our ways may we 
this day acknowledge Thee, and do Thou direct our paths. 
Let thy presence go with us, and thy free Spirit uphold us. 

May we scandalise none by our temper or conduct, but re- 
commend and endear the religion we profess to all around us. 
May we decline no opportunity of usefulness that our circum- 
stances may present. May we not withhold good from him 
to whom it is due, when it is in the power of our hand to do 
it. May we dread the sentence, Whoso stoppeth his ears at 
the cry of the poor, he also shall cry himself and not be 
heard. May we therefore be merciful, ready to communicate, 
feeling the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, who when rich for 



EVENING. 135 

our sakes became poor, that we through his poverty might 
be rich. 

Let those who are advanced in years be anxious to bring 
forth fruit in old age. Let those who are in the midst of life 
abide with God in their calling ; and while they are not sloth- 
ful in business, may they be fervent in spirit, serving the Lord. 
And 0, preserve the young from the snares and temptations 
of youth. May they be sober-minded. If sinners entice them, 
let them not consent. With the infidel and the vicious, and 
the despiser of the sabbath, may they not go, lest they learn 
of their ways, and get a snare to their souls. Let them say, 
I am a companion of all them that fear Thee and choose that 
good part which shall not be taken away from them. 

Bless us as a nation, in all the dependencies and interests 
of the country ; in all its civil and sacred institutions. Let 
glory dwell in our land, and upon all the glory may there be 
a defence. 

We rejoice that Thou wilt have all men to be saved and 
come to the knowledge of the truth ; and that Jesus Christ 
gave himself a ransom for all to be testified in due time. 

Gall in the Jews with the fulness of the Gentiles. Say to 
the north, give up ; and to the south, keep not back ; bring 
my sons from far, and my daughters from the ends of the 
earth. Bless all those who by their exertions and sacrifices 
are proving the sincerity of their prayers for the spread of the 
Redeemer's cause ; and let many run to and fro, and know- 
ledge be increased, till all shall know Thee, from the least 
even to the greatest. 

Our Father who art in heaven ; hallowed be thy name. 
Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in 
heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us 
our trespasses, as we forgive those that trespass against us. 
And lead us not into temptation ; but deliver us from evil ; for 
thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever 
and ever. Amen. 



LVIL— EVENING. 



John 13 th, 14th, 15th. Acts 1st, 2d, 3d, 4t\ 5th. Hos. 
13th, 14th. Job 11th, 14th. Ejph. 5th, 6th. Jam. 1st, 4th. 



136 BIBLE PRAYER BOOK. 



L. M. 



Glory to Thee my God this night 
For all the blessings of the light 5 
Keep me, keep me, King of kings, 
Beneath the shadow of Thy wings. 

Forgive me Lord for Thy dear Son, 
The ills that I this day have done ; 
That with the world, myself, and Thee, 
I ere I sleep at peace mayJbe. 

Teach me to live, that I may dread 
The grave as little as my bed ; 
Teach me to die, that so I may 
Rise, glorious at the awful day. 

PRAYER. 

O Lord, in the plenitude of thy goodness, again we approach 
thy throne of grace ; another day of mercies calls for renewed 
expressions of gratitude and praise. We praise thee that our 
lines have fallen to us in pleasant places, and that we have a 
goodly heritage ; that plenty fills our borders ; that civil and 
religious liberty are secured to all ; that the word of life is 
freely distributed and the Gospel preached to the poor. May 
we remember that our responsibilities are commensurate with 
our blessings. Impart to us a more intimate knowledge of 
our own hearts, their evil propensities and their need of re- 
straining and sanctifying grace. Conscious of our weakness 
and guilt, may we find a refuge in the strength and righteous- 
ness of Christ, and rejoice that he is able to save to the utter- 
most all who come to God by him. 

Bless every member of the family, in the relations we mu- 
tually sustain. May we assist each others duties, and share 
each others joys and sorrows. May the ties of kindred which 
bind us together, be strengthened by those of grace ; and may 
we be distinguished as a family serving thee. 

Be gracious to our absent relations and friends. Grant 
prosperity to the churches of the Saviour throughout the world. 
Let success attend every effort to spread the Gospel ; and let 
the whole earth be filled with thy glory. " Our Father," &c. 



LVIIL— EVENING. 



Luke 10th, 11th, 12th, 13th. Ps. 102c?, 150th. Prov. 
1st, 3d, 4th. Eze. 6th, 15th. John llth, 18th, 19th, 20th. 
Phil. 2d, 3d. 1 Pe. 1st, 2d, ±th. 



EVENING. 137 

S. M.. 

The day is past and gone, 
The evening shades appear ; 
O, may we all remember well 
The night of death draws near. 

We lay our garments by, 
Upon our beds to rest ; 
So death will soon disrobe us all 
Of what we here possess. 

And if we early rise, 
And view the unwearied sun 
May we set out to view the prize 
And after glory run. 

And when our days are past, 
And we from time remove, 
O may we in thy bosom rest 
The bosom of thy love ! 

PRAYER. 

O thou, incomprehensible Lord God, to whose sight all 
things are naked and open ; and who knowest the state and 
character of every individual before thee, let not any of us 
approach thee with our lips, while our hearts are estranged 
from thy grace and love ; but enable us under a deep con- 
viction of our guilt and helplessness, to draw nigh unto thee 
in faith and hope pleading the name of Jesus Christ our 
Lord, who ever liveth to make intercession for us. 

Without this way of access into thy presence, we could not 
presume to lift up our eyes unto they ; but encouraged by 
the revelation of mercy in Christ, we desire to take shelter in 
him, acknowledging that there is salvation in no other. Help 
us not only to discern his personal glory, and to confess be- 
fore man that he is our Lord and our God ; but likewise his 
mediatorial fulness, who was made sin for us, that we might 
be made th.S righteousness of God in him ; help us cordially 
so resign ourselves to his gracious authority and wise dispen- 
tations, making him the sole object of our faith and hope, and 
yielding ourselves to the guidance of his word and providence. 
Look down O Lord in mercy upon thy whole church. May 
it be established, strengthened, and settled in the faith of the 
everlasting gospel ; carry on the work of thy grace among 
the children of men ; let such as shall be saved be added 
daily to thy church ; send forth the glad tidings of great joy 
to Heathen and Mohamedan lands ; regard in mercy thine 
own ancient people Israel, and hasten the time when the 



138 BIBLE PRAYER BOOK. 

wilderness shall be turned into the garden of the Lord; 
when all flesh shall see the salvation of our God. And now 
O heavenly Father, while we bless thee for all the mercies of 
;he past day, we beseech thee to renew thy mercies to us, and 
to spread thy protecting wings around us during the dark 
and silent hours of the night ; and should it please thee to 
raise us up in health and safety to see the light of another 
day, lift up also the light of thy countenance upon us, that 
we may walk before the Lord in the light of the living. 
" Our Father," &c. 



LIX.— EVENING. 

Acts 6 th, 1th, 8th, 9th, 10th, 12th, 13th, Prov. 8th, 30th, 
31st. 2 Sam. 1st, 7th. Isa. 40th, 52d, 53c?,. Col. 3d, 4th. 
1 Thess. 5th. 2d Tim. 2d. 1st John 1st, 2d, 3d. 



In all my ways God, 

I would acknowledge Thee, 

And seek to keep my heart and house 

From all pollution free. 

Where'er I have a tent, 

Au altar will I raise ; 

And thither my oblations bring, 

Of humble prayer and praise. 

PRAYER. 

O Thou, in whose presence angels bow and archangels veil 
their faces, enable us to serve Thee with reverence and godly 
fear. O Thou, who art a spirit, and requirest truth in the in- 
ward parts, help us to worship Thee in spirit and in truth. O 
righteous Father, we would not come to Thee harboring the 
love of any sin in our bosoms ; for Thou has assured us, that 
if we regard iniquity in our hearts Thou wilt not hear us. 
We must address Thee as sinners ; but we acknowledge our 
transgression, and our sin is ever before us ; we desire to have 
nothing more to do with idols; we hate every false way: and 
long to be Israelites indeed in whom is no guile. 

Nor would we, O God, appear in thy presence indulging a 
worldly temper, and seeking after an abundance of those 
things that afford no satisfaction in the possession, and perish 
in the using. After all these things do the Gentiles seek, and 



.EVENING. 139 

our heavenly Father knoweth what things we have need of 
before we ask Him, and will administer them as our wants 
and welfare may require. We are hastening towards an hour 
which will show us the vanity of all earthly pursuits and pos- 
sessions. When a few more suns have rolled over us, it will 
be a matter of indifference whether we have been rich or poor* 
successful or disappointed in our enterprises ; admired of our 
fellow creatures, or despised ! But it will be of eternal mo- 
ment to us, that we have mourned for sin ; that we have hun- 
gered and thirsted after righteousness ; that we have loved 
the Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity, and gloried in his cross. 

May these objects therefore, however despised of men, en- 
gross our chief solicitude. May we labor for that meat which 
endureth unto everlasting life ; may we lay up treasure in 
heaven ; may we seek the honor that cometh from God only. 
Deliver us from the condemnation of the law, and the bond- 
age of corruption, and bring us into the glorious liberty of 
the children of God. Justify us freely from all things, and 
renew us in the spirit of our minds. Produce in us those 
principles and dispositions which will render thy service per- 
fect freedom, and make it our meat to do the will of our hea- 
venly Father, and to finish his work. Amen. 



LX.— EVENING. 

Acts 14th, 16th, 18th, 20th. Joel 2d. Mic. 4th, 6th. 
Na. 1st, 2d, 3d. Isa. 55th. Heb. 1st, 2d, 4th. 1 John 4th, 
5th. 

C. M. 

On thee, each morning, my God, 
My waking thoughts attend, 
In whom are founded all my hopes, 
In whom my wishes end. 

When evening slumbers press my eyes, 
With thy protection blest, 
In peace and safety I commit 
My weary limbs to rest. 

My soul in pleasing wonder lost 
Thy boundless love surveys, 
And fired with grateful zeal prepares 
The sacrifice of praise. 

PRAYE R. 

God ; the day is thine ; the night also is thine. Thou 



140 BIBLE PRAYER BOOK. 

makest the outgoings of the morning and evening to rejoice. 
The heavens declare thy glory ; the earth is full of thy riches, 
and so is the great and wide sea. Thou art the maker, and 
sustainer, and proprietor of all things. We are the creatures 
of thy power, and the beneficiaries of thy bounty. But we 
have sinned against heaven and before Thee, and are not 
worthy of the least of all the mercies, and of the truth which 
Thou hast showed us. We are of those that have resisted 
the dictates of our consciences : the demands of thy law ; 
the admonitions of thy providence ; and the calls of the gos- 
pel of peace. And we deserve that thy wrath should come 
upon us as the children of disobedience. 

Yet we are in the land of the living and under a dispensa- 
tion of hope. We flee for refuge to that dear Saviour who 
said, Deliver from going down into the pit, I have found a 
ransom ; and who himself bore our sin in his own body on 
the tree. O that we may be found in Him, and know the 
power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, 
being made conformable unto his death. May we not only 
be justified by his blood and saved from wrath through Him : 
but may we derive from Him an influence that shall change 
us into his own image, from glory to glory, as by the Spirit 
of the Lord. 

Deliver us, we pray Thee, from the views and dispositions 
of men of the world who have their portion in this life May 
we never look for that on earth, which can only be found in 
heaven. Born from above and bound for glory, may we feel 
the heart of a stranger, and pass the time of our sojourning 
here with fear ; knowing that here we have no continuing 
city. Amen. 



LXL— EVENING. 

Luke 14th, 15th, 16th, llth, 18th. Acts 21st, 22d, 23d, 
24th. Ps. 103d, 125th. Dent. 4th, 5th, 9th, 10th, llth, 
22d. Josh. 4th, 5th, 6th. Job 21st, 23d, 36th, 31 th, 38th, 
39th. Heb. 12th. Rev. 21st, 22d. 

L. M. 

Thus far the Lord hath led me on, 
Thus far His power prolongs my days, 
And every evening shall make known - 
Some fresh memorial of His grace. 



EVENING. 141 

Much of my time has run to waste. 
And I perhaps am near my home ; 
Bat He forgives my follies past, 
He gives me strength for days to come. 

I lay my body down to sleep ; 
Peace is the pillow for my head; 
While well-appointed angels keep 
Their watchful stations round my bed. 

Thus when the night of death shall come, 
My flesh shall rest beneath the ground, 
And wait Thy voice to rend my tomb, 
With sweet salvation in the sound. 

PRAYER. 

God over all, blessed for evermore ! We desire to acknow- 
ledge thy Being and agency, to adore thy perfections, and to 
admire the works of thy hands. Thou hast made summer 
and winter. Thou hast appointed the moon for seasons, and 
the sun knoweth his going down. The day is thine ; the 
night also is thine ; and thou makest the outgoings of the 
morning and evening to rejoice. To that throne, from which 
none were ever repulsed or sent empty away, we again ap- 
proach for mercy and grace to help in time of need. Let our 
prayer come before thee as incense, and the lifting up of our 
hands as the evening sacrifice. Preserve us from formality 
in these exercises, in which we daily engage ; and alarm our 
fears lest we should provoke thee to say, In vain do they wor- 
ship me. 

For this purpose, enable us to realize thine all-seeing eye ; 
to remember with whom we have to do, and what we have 
to do with Him. May we deeply feel the guilt of the sins we 
confess, and hunger and thirst after the blessings we implore. 
And while we review the numberless blessings we have re- 
ceived from thy hands, may we be more than ever sensible 
of our unworthiness, that our hearts may be unfeignedly 
thankful, and that we may be disposed to show forth thy 
praise, not only with our lips, but in our lives, by giving up 
ourselves to thy service, and walking before Thee in holiness 
and righteousness all our days. 

We bless Thee this evening as the preserver of men. Ano- 
ther day has been added, by thy good providence, to the sea- 
son of thy long suffering, and the time of our preparation for 
eternity. We lament that the design of our being placed and 
continued here has been so imperfectly subserved, that in so 
many things we have offended, and in all come short of the 



142 BIBLE PRAYER BOOK. 

glory of God. If where much is given much will be required, 
and the servant who knew his Lord's will and did it not, shall 
be beaten with many stripes — Lord, if Thou shouldst mark 
our iniquities, O Lord, who shall stand? We cannot answer 
Thee for one of a thousand of our transgressions : the review 
of a single day is enough to plunge us into despair — our only 
relief is, that there is forgiveness with Thee, and that with 
Thee there is plenteous redemption. 

But while we hope in thy mercy, we would not abuse it. 
"We would not sin that grace may abound, or be evil because 
Thou art good. But since Thou art good and ready to for- 
give, we would the more ingenuously grieve that ever we have 
offended a Being so worthy of our devotedness, and be the 
more concerned in future to walk so as to please Thee. 

Create in us a clean heart, and renew a right spirit within 
us. Set a watch, O God, upon our mouth ; keep the door of 
our lips. And in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with 
fleshly wisdom, but by thy grace, may we have our conversa- 
tion in the world, and in the church and in the family. 

We again commend ourselves to thy care. As Thou hast 
been through the day our sun and our shield, be Thou through 
the night our shade and our shield. Undisturbed by anxie- 
ties, unalarmed by fears, undistressed by pain or indisposition, 
may we retire and enjoy repose. Remind us, by putting off 
our garments and lying down to sleep, of putting off the body, 
and sleeping in the grave, the house appointed for all living. 
Prepare us for the night of death, the morning of the resur- 
rection, and the day of judgment. 

And all we implore is through the mediation of Him who 
bore the sins of many, made intercessions for the transgres- 
sions, to whom with the Father and the Holy Spirit be endless 
praises. Amen. 



PART SECOND, 

PUBLIC AND OCCASIONAL WORSHIP. 



LXIL— DEDICATION OF A PLACE OF WOESHIP. 

worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness : fear before 
him all the earth. Ps. 96 : 9. Ps. 99 : 5. Ps. 40 : 16. 

O corne, let us sing unto the Lord : let us make a joyful 
noise to the rock of our salvation. Praise ye the Lord : 
praise God in his sanctuary : praise him in the firmament of 
his power. Ps. 95 : 1. Ps. 150 : 1. 

Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts 
with praise. The Lord loveth the gates of Zion more than 
all the dwellings of Jacob. Ps. 100 : 4. Ps. 87 : 2. 

How amiable are thy tabernacles, O Lord of hosts ! My 
soul longeth, yea even fainteth for the courts of the Lord : 
my heart and my flesh crieth out for the living God. Yea 
the sparrow hath found a house, and the swallow a nest for 
herself, where she may lay her young, even thine altars 
Lord of hosts, my King and my God. Ps. 84 : 1, 2, 3. 

Those that be planted in the house of the Lord, shall flour- 
ish in the courts of our God. They shall still bring forth 
fruit in old age : they shall be fat and flourishing. Blessed 
are they that dwell in thy house : they will be still praising 
thee. Selah. For a day in thy courts is better than a thou- 
sand. I had rather be a door-keeper in the house of my 
God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness. Ps. 92 : 13, 
14. Ps. 84 : 4, 10. 

If I forget thee, O Jerusalem, let my right hand forget her 
cunning. If I do not remember thee let my tongue cleave 
to the roof of my mouth ; if I prefer not Jerusalem above my 
chief joy. Pray for the peace of Jerusalem : they shall pros- 
per that love thee. Peace be within thy walls, and prosper- 
ity within thy palaces. For my brethren and companion's 
Bakes I will now say, Peace be within thee. Because of the 



144 BIBLE PRAYER BOOK. 

house of the Lord our God, I will seek thy good. Ps. 
137 : 5. Ps. 137 : 6. Ps. 122 : 6, 7, 8. 

See also Ps. 92 : 13. 84 : 4, 10. 2 Chron. 6 : 12, 14, 21, 28-41. Ps. 87 : 5, 6. 
187 : 5. Rev. 29 : 11-27. 

C. M. 

To thee this temple we devote, 
Our Father and our God ; 
Accept it thine and seal it now 
Thy spirit's blest abode. 

Here may the prayer of faith ascend, g 
The voice of prayer arise, 
O may each lowly service prove 
Accepted, sacrifice. 

Peace be within these sacred walls ; 
Prosperity be here ; 
Long smile upon thy people here, 
And evermore be near. 

PRAYER. 

We praise thee God, for the institution of social, as well 
as private and family worship. Ancient Patriarchs reared 
an altar in every place of their sojourn, and with their 
families and numerous dependents called upon the name of 
the Lord. By thy command, Solomon built a temple in 
Jerusalem, where priests and Levites were appointed to minis- 
ter, and the tribes of Israel worshiped many centuries. And 
to extend and render available to all the means of social 
worship, synagogues were built throughout all the land of 
Israel ; and in the towns and cities of the Jews, And thou 
didst love the gates of Zion, and the homage of worshiping 
assemblies, more than all the dwellings of Jacob, or acts of 
private devotion. We thank thee that under more simple 
and versatile forms, the institution of public worship has 
been continued under the new dispensation. In an upper 
chamber, in a cave of the mountains or by the river's side ; 
under the open canopy of heaven ; in a tent, a homely 
edifice, or a gorgeous temple ; wherever two or three meet 
together in thy name, may be found the house of God — the 
gate of heaven. We thank thee for the endearing attractions 
of thy house as a centre of conciliation of peace and fellow- 
ship among men, as a refuge to the perplexed, the afflicted 
and the sorrowing — as a stronghold of safety to the weak the 
defenceless and the tempted, — as an Ebenezer of gratitude — 
as a bethel to a pilgrim race. We praise thee that thy way 



DEDICATION OF A PLACE OF WORSHIP. 145 

is in the sanctuary, and there mankind may study thy provi- 
dence, thy will and thy mercy. We thank thee that thou 
art known in the sanctuary, and those who wait upon thee 
therein the homage of sincere worship, obtain just views of 
thy character and perfections, and of man's dependence and 
obligations, than were obtained by ancient philosophers in 
their most profound investigations and their highest illumina- 
tion. O may an institution so important be universally ob- 
served in our own and in all lands. Through it may the 
sabbath be rescued from its fearful desecration, and elevated 
to its highest moral use among us. let not the sabbath in 
our land be degraded to a holiday ; let not mount Zion be 
turned into the devil's play-ground ! May the people praise 
thee O God, may they call the sabbath a delight, the holy 
of the Lord, honorable, and may they honor it. As it returns 
may they exclaim to each other, through all our rural dis- 
tricts, our villages, and our cities, " Come, let us go up to 
the house of the Lord in company ; let us enter his gates with 
thanksgiving and his courts with praise. O may we often 
long to appear before thee in the homage of worship. As 
the hart panteth after the water brooks, so may our souls 
pant after thee, O God. Q may we be blessed with a place 
in thy house all the days of our lives, and choose to be even 
door keepers in the house of God rather than enjoy the high- 
est privileges and distinctions conferred in alliances and asso- 
ciations of the wicked. thou who didst dwell in the bush 
and wast shadowed forth by the Shekinah in the temple, 
consecrate this place to thyself by the special manifestation 
of thy presence. Here may the estranged find peace with 
men and with God. Here may the sorrowing find consola- 
tion, and experience the blessing of sanctified afflictions. 
Here may the young, and the tempted, find succor and 
defence, and infirm virtue be strengthened. Hither may men 
bring their offerings of gratitude, and taking the overflowing 
cup of salvation, gatefully call upon the name of the Lord. 
Here may earth's pilgrims find a bethel, and hither may 
grateful remembrances turn from different parts of the world, 
and from the latest sections in the journey of life. Here may 
back-sliders be reclaimed to their profession, and may it be 
said of many that they were born of the spirit here. May 
the gospel in its purity ever be proclaimed here. May the 
discipline of the christian church be faithfully administered 



146 BIBLE PRAYER BOOK. 

here. May thy name rest upon it, for a glory and a defence. 
" Our Father " &c. 



LXH1— CONSTITUTION OF A CHURCH. 

By one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether 
we be Jews or Gentiles ; whether we be bond or free ; and 
have been all made to drink into one spirit. There is one 
body and one spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of 
your calling ; one Lord, one Faith one Baptism ; one God 
and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in 
you all. Wherefore when he (Jesus) ascended up on high, 
he gave some apostles ; and some prophets ; and some 
evangelists ; and some pastors and teachers : For the perfect- 
ing of the saints, for the work of the ministry ; for the edify- 
ing of the body of Christ : that we may grow up into him in 
all things which is the head, even Christ : from whom the 
whole body fitly joined together, and compacted by that 
which every joint supplieth according to the effectual work- 
ing in the measure of eveiy part making increase of the 
body, unto the edifying of itself in love. 1 Cor. 12 : 13. 
Eph. 4 : 4, 5, 6, 8, 11, 12, 14, 15, 16. 

Touching brotherly love, ye need not that I write unto 
you : for ye yourselves are taught of God to love one ano- 
ther. A new commandment I give unto you, that ye love one 
another, as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. 
By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye 
have love one to another. 1 Thess. 4 : 9. John 13 : 34, 35. 

Follow after the things which make for peace, and things 
wherewith one may edify another. Walk worthy of the vo- 
cation wherewith ye are called, with all lowliness and meek- 
ness, with long suffering, forbearing one another in love ; 
endeavoring to keep the unity of the spirit in the bond of 
peace. Rom. 14 : 19. Eph. 4 : 1, 2, 3. 

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, 
teaching and admonishing one another in psalms, and hymns, 
and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the 
Lord. And consider one another to provoke unto love and 
to good works. Col. 3:16. Heb. 10 : 24. 

Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead 
our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, through 



CONSTITUTION OF A CHURCH. 147 

the blood of the everlasting covenant, make you perfect in 
every good work, to do his will, working in you that which 
is well -pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ : to whom 
be glory for ever and ever. Amen. Heb. 13 : 20, 21. 

See also. Rom. 12 : 6-16. Matt. 5 : 13-16. Eph. 1 : 3. 20-23. Eph. 2 : 18-22. 
1 Tim 3 : 15. 1 Cor. 3 : 9. 11. 1 Pet. 2:7 Ps. 122 : 6-8. 125 : 1. 2. Ps. 
133 : 1. 2 ; 3. 

C. M. 

Planted in Christ, the living vine, 
This day with one accord, 
Ourselves, with humble faith and joy, 
We yield to thee, Lord. 

Joined in one body may we be : 
One inward life partake : 
One be our heart : one heavenly hope, 
In every bosom wake. 

In prayer, in effort, tears and toils, 
One wisdom be our guide ; 
Taught by one Spirit from above, 
In thee may we abide. 

PRAYER. 

God, of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is 
named, who art the father and sovereign of the great company 
of the redeemed, and who hast declared that the gates of hell 
shall never prevail against thy church, and in order to its 
preservation and efficiency, hast ordained the establishment 
of separate congregations of thy people, to assemble for thy 
worship ; to celebrate thine ordinances ; to watch over each 
other in love ; and to hold up the standard of the truth, that 
those who dwell in their midst may behold its beauty, and 
be attracted by its influence ; bless thy people who are here 
united together in this holy enterprise, and in this heavenly 
fraternity. May the union into which they have entered be 
profitable and lasting ; may each member thereof be number- 
ed among the living in Jerusalem ; may their piety be 
sincere, enlightened, and diffusive ; may they be blessed with 
internal harmony ; may no root of bitterness spring up to 
trouble them ; may no false doctrine find admission into their 
ranks ; but may they keep the unity of the spirit in the bond 
of peace, all men confessing that they are thy disciples by 
the love they have for each other. Especially would we en- 
treat thy blessing to rest upon the office-bearers ; may the 
deacons be men full of faith and of the Holy Spirit ; and may 
the pastor, be endowed with the fullness of the blessing of 



148 BIBLE PRAYER BOOK. 

the gospel of peace ; may he take heed to himself and to the 
flock over which the Holy Spirit has made him an overseer, 
feeding it with the true bread of life, and guarding it with 
vigilance from every false way. 

And while thou art blessing them in their various relations 
to each other, and in the increase of their personal piety and 
devotedness ; let them be permitted to see thy glory in the 
conversion of the ungodly : make the word preached the 
power of God to the salvation of many souls ; and increase 
thy people with men as a flock. " Our Father " &c. 



LXIV.— CHURCH DISCIPLINE. 

Peter said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, 
and I forgive him ? till seven times ? Jesus saith unto him, 
I say not unto thee, until seven times : but until seventy times 
seven. If he trespass against thee seven times in a day, and 
seven times in a day turn again to thee, saying, I repent, 
thou shalt forgive him. Matt. 18 : 21, 22. Luke 17:4. 

We that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the 
weak, and not to please ourselves. Let every one of us please 
his neighbor for his good to edification. For even Christ 
pleased not himself. Rom. 15 : 1, 2, 3. 

If a man be overtaken in a fault ye which are spiritual, re- 
store such an one in the spirit of meekness ; considering thy- 
self lest thou also be tempted. Moreover if thy brother shall 
trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee 
and him alone : if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy 
brother. But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee 
one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses 
every word may be established. And if he shall neglect to 
hear them, tell it unto the Church : but if he neglect to hear 
the church, let him be unto thee as a heathen man, and a 
publican. Verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall bind 
on earth, shall be bound in heaven : and whatsoever ye shall 
loose on earth, shall be loosed in heaven. Gal. 6:1. Matt. 
18 : 15-18. 

Now we exort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, 
comfort the feeble-minded, support the weak, be patient to- 
ward all men. For yourselves know how you ought to follow 
us : and if any man obey not our word, by this epistle, note 



CHURCH DISCIPLINE. 149 

that man, and have no company with him, that he may be 
ashamed; yet count him not as an enemy, but admonish him 
as a brother. We hear that there are some which walk 
among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busy-bodies. 
Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord 
Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother 
that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition he receiv- 
ed of us. 1 Thess. 5 : 14. 2 Thess. 2 : 7, 14, 15, 11, 6. 

See also. 1 Cor. 5:1-5 2 Cor. 2 : 5-10. Ps. 122 : 6-8. 133 : 1-3. 

C. M. 

How sweet, how heavenly is the sight, 
When those that love the Lord 
In one another's peace delight, 
And thus fulfil His word ! 

When free from envy, scorn and pride, 
Our wishes all above, 
Each can his brother's failings hide, 
And show a brother's love ! 

PRAYER. 

Thou, who alone art King in Zion, Thou hast declared 
that whatsoever is bound by thy church on earth, in the exe- 
cution of its legitimate duties, is bound also in heaven, we 
trust that on this solemn occasion thou hast given us that 
wisdom which is profitable to direct, and that we have been 
actuated by that love which beareth all things, believeth all 
things, hopeth all things, endureth all things, consistent with 
the honor of God, and the welfare of thy kingdom. 

We mourn before thee, the necessity on our part for exer- 
cising those powers with which as a church thou hast en- 
trusted us, in the withdrawal of our fellowship from one, whom 
we have looked upon as a fellow heir of the grace of life, whom 
we have rejoiced over as one we believed to have found mercy, 
and whose fellowship with us we fondly hoped would be con- 
tinued. O grant that this afflictive circumstance may have 
its desired effect, in the repentance and restoration of the 
offender; let the commission of sin be succeeded by godly sor- 
row, and indifference be followed by earnestness and prayer ; 
let the backslider yet be reclaimed ; let the lost yet be found ; 
let the dead yet be made alive. 

And as thou hast permitted this humiliation and sorrow to 
rest upon us as a church, help us to profit by it in the increase 
of our vigilance and devotion ; may we each enter upon a 



150 BIBLE PRAYER BOOK. 

close and heartfelt examination of ourselves as in the sight of 
God — may we arise and strengthen the things that remain 
that are ready to die — may we consider ourselves, lest we also 
be tempted, and watch and pray that we enter not into temp- 
tation ; and do thou increase us in every good word and work 
to do thy will, that we may be living epistles of Christ, known 
and read of all men, that when the chief Shepherd shall ap- 
pear, we may receive a crown of life. And now, &c. 



LXV.— ORDAINATION OF PASTOR. 

When he (Jesus) ascended up on high, he gave some, apos- 
tles : and some, prophets : and some, evangelists : and some, 
pastors and teachers : for the perfecting of the saints, for the 
work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ : 
till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the know- 
ledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure 
of the stature of the fulness of Christ. Eph. 4 : 8, 11, 12, 13. 

A bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God ; not 
self-willed, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not 
given to filthy lucre, but a lover of hospitality, a lover of good 
men, sober, just, holy, temperate, holding fast the faithful 
word, as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound 
doctrine both to exort and to convince the gainsay ers. Tit. 
1 : 8, 9. 

O man of God, follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, 
love, patience, meekness. I Tim. 6:11. 

In all things showing thyself a pattern of good works : in 
doctrine showing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity. Sound 
speech that cannot be condemned, that he that is of the con- 
trary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of 
you. Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman 
that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of 
truth. But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing 
that they do gender strifes. And the servant of the Lord 
must not strive : but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach pa- 
tient, in meekness ; instructing those that oppose themselves. 
Titus 2 : V, 9. 2 Tim. 2:15, 23, 24, 25. 

Give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine. 
Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by 
prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery. 



ORDINATION OF PASTOR. 151 

Meditate upon these things, give thyself wholly to them, that 
thy profiting may appear to all. Take heed unto thyself and 
unto the doctrine : continue in them : for in doing this, thou 
shalt both save thyself and them that hear thee. 

I charge thee, therefore, before God and the Lord Jesus 
Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appear- 
ing, and his kingdom; preach the word, be instant in season, 
out of season, reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long-suffering 
and doctrine. For the time will come when they will not 
endure sound doctrine, but after their own lusts, shall they 
heap to themselves teachers having itching ears. And they 
shall turn away their ears from the truth and shall be turned 
unto fables. But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, 
do the work of an Evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry. 
2 Tim. 4 : 1-5. 

I give thee charge in the sight of God, who quickeneth all 
things, and before Christ Jesus, who before Pontius Pilate 
witnessed a good confession ; that thou keep this command- 
ment without spot, unrebukable, until the appearing of our 
Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Tim. 6 : 13, 14. 

See also. Jer. 3 : 15. 23 : 2. 3. Matt. 23 : 8. Acts 14 : 21, 23. Titus 1 : 5-9. 
2 Tim. 2 : 1—6. 1 Tim. 4 : 6, 11. 5 : 21. 6 : 13, 14, 20. 

CM. 

; Tis not a cause of. small import 
The pastor's care demands, 
But what might fill an angel's heart, 
And filled a Saviour's hands. 

They watch for souls, for which the Lord 

Did heavenly bliss forego, 

For souls which must forever live 

In rapture or in woe. 

PRAYER. 

God over all, blessed forevermore: in former ages thou wast 
made known to the people, as the God of Abraham, of Isaac 
and of Jacob. But in these last days thou hast revealed thyself 
to us as the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom thou 
hast made the worlds, and ruled the universe, and who now 
thou hast placed as a King on thy holy hill of Zion. His 
name is above every name that is named on earth or in hea- 
ven. Thy saints bless him ; angels worship him ; and devils 
fear his power. He shall reign till he shall have put all enemies 
under his feet: and delivered the last of his chosen people from 



152 BIBLE PRAYER BOOK. 

this present evil world, and conducted them to mansions on 
high : for his kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and to his 
dominion there shall be no end ! We rejoice that we live 
under this reign of grace : that men are commanded to go 
into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature, 
and proclaim the remission of sins in Christ's name among all 
nations, that he may become the author of eternal salvation 
to all that believe on him : that churches are gathered in 
his name : and that an order of pastors, teachers and evan- 
gelists has been appointed for edifying the body of Christ, 
and perfecting the saints in love : that age after age thou 
hast counted men worthy, putting them into this ministry : 
men who have hazarded their lives for the name of Jesus, 
who have not feared to declare the whole counsel of God, 
and when the enemy has come in like a flood, have lifted up 
a standard against him. 

O Lord pour down thy richest blessings upon the bishops 
and deacons of the churches, that they may make full proof 
of their^ ministry. May the ministry be more able, more tho- 
roughly furnished with useful knowledge and the endowments 
of grace ; more worthy successors of the Apostles. Give a 
double portion of thy spirit to thy servant now set apart to 
this holy work by laying on the hands of the Presbytery ; 
may he take heed to himself; may he preach the truth, the 
whole truth, and nothing but the truth. Make him a polish- 
ed shaft in thy quiver. Guide all his future ministry. Nerve 
his soul to meet all its trials. When he cries out, Who is 
sufficient, be thou the strength of his heart. And may he 
enjoy the reward of the faithful servant ; finish the work thou 
hast given him to do. And while he goes forth weak, bear- 
ing precious seed into the field of his present labors, may he 
be permitted to return at the close of his ministry here, and 
of the whole of his ministry on earth, bringing his sheaves 
with him, and hear the plaudit " Well done good and faithful 
servant." May the church be established in the faith and 
greatly enlarged under his labors; and his preaching and 
prayers and pastoral visitations prove a savor of life unto life 
to multitudes. " Our Father," &c. 






ORDINATION OF DEACON. 153 



LXVI.— ORDINATION OF DEACON. 

In those days, when the number of the disciples was 
multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against 
the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the 
daily ministration. 

Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto 
them, and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word 
of God, and serve tables. Wherefore, brethren, look ye out 
among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost 
and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business. But 
we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the min- 
istry of the word. 

And the saying pleased the whole multitude : and they 
chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost, 
and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and 
Parmenas, and Nicolas a proselyte of Antioch, whom they set 
before the apostles : and when they had prayed, they laid 
their hands on them. Acts. 6 : 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. 

Likewise must the deacons be grave, not double-tongued, 
not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre ; holding 
the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience. And let these 
also first be proved ; then let them use the office of a deacon, 
being found blameless. 1 Tim. 3 : 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13. 

Even so must their wives be grave, not slanderers, sober, 
faithful in all things. Let the deacons be the husbands of 
one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well. 
For they that have used the office of a deacon well, purchase 
to themselves a good degree, and great boldness in the faith 
which is in Christ Jesus. 

See also Matt. 23 : 8. 

CM. 

Give us the men, whom thou shalt choose, 
Thy house on earth to guide ; 
Those who shall ne'er their power abuse, 
Nor rule with haughty pride. 

Inspired with wisdom from above, 
And with discretion blest ; 
Displaying meekness, temperance, love, 
Of every grace possessed. 

PRAYER. 

thou who art the head of the body which is thy church, 
we beseech thee to smile upon the election which has now 



154 BIBLE PRAYER BOOK. 

taken place. "We have in thy fear appointed to the office of 
deacon, one whom we believe to possess the qualifications 
indicated in thy word, who is sound in the faith, grave in his 
conduct, and who rules well his own house. Let the official 
relation noAv instituted prove a mutual blessing. Let our 
brother be blessed with grace, and wisdom, and sound discre- 
tion in the performance of his responsible duties. By his 
matured counsel, and christian sympathy may he sustain the 
hands of his pastor ; and by his diligence and promptitude, 
by his never-tiring zeal and assiduity, may he in love serve 
his brethren. May he never forget that those who are great 
in the kingdom of Christ are to account themselves as least ; 
and that the distinction of more onerous duties is of more 
responsible service. 

Bless the church especially in all its relations, and in all 
its enterprises. May it long continue as a city set upon a 
hill as a light shining in a dark place — as the visible and 
actual embodiment in the lives of its members of the religion 
of the cross. 



LXYIL—BAPTISM. 



John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism 
of repentance for the remission of sins. Then went out to 
him, Jerusalem and all Judea, and all the region round about 
Jordan, and were baptized of him in Jordan, confessing their 
sins. When he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees 
come to his baptism, he said unto them, I indeed baptize you 
with water unto repentance : but he that cometh after me, 
shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire. Then 
cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan, unto John, to be bap- 
tized of him. But John forbade him saying, I have need to 
be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me ? And Jesus 
answering said unto him, suffer it to be so now ; for thus it 
becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered 
him. And Jesus, when he was baptized went up straightway 
out of the water. Mark 1 : 4. Matt. 3 : 5-7, 11, 13-16. 

After these things, came Jesus and his disciples into the 
land of Judea, and there he tarried with them, and baptized. 
And John also was baptizing in iEnon near to Salim, because 






BAPTISM. 155 

there was much water there : and they came and were bap- 
tized. John 3 : 2 2, 23. 

Jesus spake unto them, (the twelve,) saying, All power is 
given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye, therefore, and 
teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, 
and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. He that believeth 
and is baptized, shall be saved. Matt. 28 : 18, 19. Mark 
16 : 16. 

If ye love me, keep my commandments. Ye are my 
friends if ye do whatsoever I command you. Know ye not, 
that as many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ, were 
baptized into his death ? Therefore, we are buried with him 
by baptism into death that like as Christ was raised up from 
the dead, by the glory of the Father, even we also should 
walk in newness of life. For if we be planted together in 
the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of 
his resurrection ; knowing this, that our old man is crucified 
with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that 
henceforth we should not serve sin. John 14 : 15. Rom. 
6 : 3-6. 

See also. Acts 2 : 37. 38. 41. 8 : 5-39. 10 : 1-48. 15 : 14. 16 : 23-34. 1 Cor. 
14 : 13-16.' 16 : 15. Gal. 3 : 26. 1 Pe. 3 : 20, 21. Gal. 2 : 11. 12. Rom. 6 : 5. 
8. John 14 : 15. 15 : 14. Luke 6 : 46. 1 Sam. 15 : 16-23. Deut. 26 : 17. 18. 
Is. 44 : 5. 56 : 6. 7. Ps. 32 : 1. 2. 65 : 4. 16 : 5-9. 73 : 25. 20. 66 : 13-17. 
1 John 4 : 15. Rom. 10 : 9. Luke 12 : 8, 9. Mark 16 : 16. 8 : 38. Matt. 
16 : 24-27. Col. 2 : 6. 7. 

S. M. 

With willing hearts we tread, 
The path the Saviour trod ; 
We love the example of our Head, 
The glorious Lamb of God. 

On thee, on thee alone, 

Our hope and faith rely, 

thou who didst for sin atone, 

Who didst for sinners die. 

We trust thy sacrifice ; 
To thy dear cross we flee : 
0, may we die to sin. and rise 
To life and bliss in thee. 

PRAYER. 

O thou, who alone art King in Zion, who hast commanded 
thy servants to go into all the world and preach the gospel 
to all the members of the human family, and hast prescribed 
baptism as a mode of professing discipleship, and allegiance 



156 BIBLE PRAYER BOOK. 

to thee, and as a visible distinction of thy church on earth, 
enable us duly to honor this ordinance. May those who are 
about to be dedicated to tbee in its observance experience all 
the blessings it is intended to typify : may they die to the 
world, and to self and to sin ; may they rise with Christ who 
is the author of their new life ; may they set their affections 
on thing-s which are above where Christ sitteth at the right 
hand of God : may they walk worthy of the high vocation 
wherewith they are called : may they be ornaments to the 
church, and benefits to the surrounding community, by the 
exertion of their influence ; by the blameless uess of their 
lives ; by the disinterestedness of their philanthropy, instru- 
mentally enlarging the Redeemer's Kingdom among men. 
May those who are indifferent to the claims of the christian 
profession, remember that if they are ashamed of Christ 
before the world he will disown them before his Father and 
the holy angels. May all who profess to love thee feel the 
importance of evincing their love by keeping thy command- 
ments. And may the numbers increase in every part of the 
world who shall learn of thee, assume the obligations of 
thy profession and find rest and salvation to their souls. 
"Our Father" &c. 



LXVni.— LORD'S SUPPER. 

See JVo. 44. 

When the hour was come, he sat down, and the twelve 
apostles with him. And he said unto them, With desire I 
have desired to eat this passover with you before I suffer. 
For I say unto you, I will not any more eat thereof until it be 
fulfilled in the kingdom of God. And he took the cup, and 
gave thanks, and said, Take this and divide it among your- 
selves : for I say unto you, I will not drink of the fruit of the 
vine, until the kingdom of God shall come. And he took 
bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, 
saying, This is my body, which is given for you : this do in 
remembrance of me. Likewise also the cup,' after supper, 
saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood, which 
is shed for you. Luke 22 : 14-20. 

For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered 
unto you, that the Lord Jesus, the same night in which he 



LORD'S SUPPER. 157 

was betrayed, took bread : and when he had given thanks, 
he brake it and said, Take eat, this is my body which is bro- 
ken for you ; this do in remembrance of me. After the same 
manner also, he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, 
This cup is the new testament in my blood : this do ye as oft 
as ye drink it in remembrance of me, for as often as ye eat 
this bread, and drink this cup, ye do show forth the Lord's 
death till he come. The cup of blessing which we bless, is it 
not the communion of the blood of Christ, the bread which 
Ave break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ ? 
Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new 
lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover, is 
sacrificed for us : Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old 
leaven, neither with the leaven of malice and wickedness : but 
with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth. We can- 
not drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils : ye can- 
not be partakers of the Lord's table and of the table of 
devils. Wherefore, whosoever shall eat this bread and drink 
this cup, of the Lord, unworthily shall be guilty of the body 
and blood of the Lord. 1 Cor. 11 : 23-26. 1 Cor. 10 : 16. 

I Cor. 5 : 7, 8. 1 Cor. 10 : 21. 1 Cor. 11 : 27. 
Conspiracy against Christ. Matt. 21 : 23-46. 22 : 15- 

46. 26 : 3-5. Acts 4 : 25-28. Luke 22 : 3-6. 

Last passover. Exod 12 : 21-25. Matt. 26 : 17. Luke 
22 : 8-16. John 13 : 4-21. Matt. 26 : 22-24. John 13 : 
22-29. Matt. 26 : 25. John 13 : 30. 

Chrises last hour with his disciples. John 13 : 31-33. 
14 : 1-31. John 15 : 11-19. 16 : 2-33. 

Christ" 1 s agony in the garden. Matt. -26 : 3-44. Mark 
4 : 37. Is. 53 : 3. Heb. 5 : 7, 8. Luke 22 : 43-45. Mark 
14 : 41, 42. 

Christ betrayed. Matt. 25 : 14, 15. 26 : 16, 49, 50-56. 
John 18 : 3. Mark 14 : 44. Ps. 41 : 9. 55 : 12. Zech. 

II : 12. 

Christ condemned. Matt. 26 : 59-69. John 18 : 12-40. 
19 : 1-16. 1 Pet. 2 : 23. Is. 50 : 6. 53 : 7. 

Christ crucified. Matt. 27 : 27-54. Luke. 23 : 33, 34, 44. 
John 19 : 17-36. Rev. 19 : 13. Ps. 22 : 14, 16. 50 : 
6. 53 : 4-12. 63 : 1-3. 

Christ buried. Matt. 27 : 59-66. Luke 23 : 50--52. 
John 9 : 39. Is. 53 : 9. 

Christ's resurrection. Matt. 28 : 1-15. Mark 16 : 3-8. 
16 : 4-8. Luke 24 : 3-11. John 20 : 3-10, 



158 BIBLE PRAYER BOOK. 

Christ risen. Matt. 16 : 9. John 20 : 11-29. John 21 : 
I--17. Luke 24 : 13-49. 1 Cor. 15 : 3-8. 

Christ's ascension. Matt. 28 : 18-2 ). Luke 24 : 50-53. 
Acts 1 : 6~] 1. Eph. 4 : 8. Heb. 7 : 25. 1:3. 

Christ's atonement. Exod 12 : 21-24. Lev. 16 : 3-16. 
17 : 11. Heb. 9 : 6-28. Matt. 20 : 28. 1 Cor. 5 : 7. 
Rom. 3 : 25. 1 Pe. 3 : 18. 2 : 24. Matt. 26 : 26-28. 

S. M. 
When I survey the wondrous cross 
On which the Prince of Glory died, 
My richest gain I count but lost, 
And pour contempt on all my pride. 

Were all the realm of nature mine, 
That were a present fat- too small ; 
Love so amazing, so divine, 
Demands my soul, my life, my all. 

L. M. 
thou, my soul, forget no more 
The friend who all thy sorrows bore ; 
Let every idol be forgot ; 
But, my soul, forget him not. 

no ; till life itself depart, 
His name shall cheer and warm my heart, 
And lisping this, from earth I'll rise 
And join the chorus of the skies. 

PRAYER. 

All glory be to thee, Almighty God, our heavenly Father, 
for that thou, of thy tender mercy, didst give thine only Son 
Jesus Christ to suffer upon the cross for our redemption ; 
who made there, by his one oblation of himself once offered, 
a full, perfect, and sufficient sacrifice for the sins of the whole 
world ; and did institute, in his holy gospel and command us to 
continue a perpetual memory of that his precious death and 
sacrifice until his coming again. 

O Lord, enable us to hold in remembrance his blessed pas- 
sion and precious death, his mighty resurrection and glorious 
ascension : rendering unto thee most hearty thanks for the 
innumerable benefits procured unto us by the same. 

May the efficacy of thy sacrifice, celebrated by the broken 
bread and wine, discharge us from the guilt of our sins, 
strengthen our faith, encourage us in the practice of good 
works, give- us victory over sins, and perfect us in charity, 
patience, humility, obedience, and all other virtues. Be pres- 



LORD'S SUPPER. 159 

ent to illuminate, confTort, and refresh thy people, while they 
meditate upon a bleeding Saviour, with a broken and a con- 
trite heart. Enable us to contemplate the matchless event 
of the Saviour's crucifixion, with the views and affections, 
which its importance demands, and, looking to his sacrifice, 
find relief for our burdened consciences. May we herein 
trace the wonderful love of God, in sending his Son to be a 
propitiation for our sins ; here study the height, length, depth 
and breadth, and know the love of Christ, which passeth 
knowledge ; here contemplate him wounded for our trans- 
gressions, &c, here learn what manner of love the Father hath 
bestowed upon us, and here be impressed with a sense of the 
malignity of sin. Encouraged by these memorials may we 
come as infirm and straying sheep to their shepherd ; as the 
sick to their physician, and as condemned criminals to a 
merciful advocate, and powerful intercessor. 

Thou who wast born in a stable and cradled in a manger, 
to illustrate a lowly origin ; baptized to exemplify obedience ; 
tempted to prove thine incorruptible virtue ; and who after a 
life of unwearying toil, quenchless zeal, and matchless benev- 
olence and meekness, hast offered upon the cross a sacrifice 
for the sins of the world. 

O thou who didst teach philanthropy by going about to do 
good ; obedience by fulfiling the law, patience by uncom- 
plaining suffering ; meekness by enduring reproaches ; devo- 
tion by praying all night in the mountain, humility by wash- 
ing thy disciples feet. 

O thou who wast bowed in sorrow, kneeling on the cold 
ground in the garden, wast betrayed with a kiss, led bound 
in cords as a malefactor, wast smitten upon the cheek, wast 
spit upon, arrayed in mock robes, crowned with thorns, and 
in derision hailed King of the Jews, and by wicked men led 
away to be crucified. 

thou who wast nailed to the accursed tree, wast pierced 
by the nails and the spear, and in thine expiring agony didst 
cry, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me. Lamb 
of God, who wast sinless and meek among the erring and the 
proud ; who opened not thy mouth to censure the sins of the 
world. O Jesus, may we be enlightened by thine incompara- 
ble teaching, guided by thy perfect example and redeemed 
by thy precious blood. Jesus, it was after thy baptism and 
temptation, thy miracles and sermons, after thy sorrows in 
the garden, and agonies on the cross, after the driving of the 



160 BIBLE PRAYER BOOK. 

nails and the piercing of the spear, and the flowing of thy 
precious blood, that thou didst say, It is finished. O precious 
Saviour, wash us from all iniquity, and make us complete in 
thy righteousness ; that in thy name we may be accepted and 
saved with an everlasting salvation. And to thee shall be the 
honor and the glory forever. Amen. 



LXIX.— FUNERAL. 



We are strangers before thee, and sojourners, as were all 
our fathers : our days on the earth are as a shadow, and there 
is none abiding. Lord make me to know mine end, and the 
measure of my days, what it is : that I may know how frail 
I am. For I know that thou wilt bring me to death, and to 
the house appointed for all living. Then shall the dust return 
to the earth as it was, and the spirit shall return unto God 
who gave it. If a man die shall he live again ? 1 Chron. 
29 : 15. Ps. 39 : 4. Job 30 : 23. Eccl. 12 : 7. Job 
14 : 14 

Jesus said unto her, (Martha) I am the resurrection and 
the life. He that believe th in me, though he were dead, yet 
shall he live : and whosoever liveth and believeth in me, shall 
never die. I know that my Redeemer liveth, and that he 
shall stand at the latter day, upon the earth : and though 
after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall 
I see God ; whom I shall see for myself, and mine eyes shall 
behold, and not another. My flesh also shall rest in hope ; 
for thou wilt not leave my soul in hell ; neither wilt thou 
suffer thine holy one to see corruption. Knowing that he 
which raised up the Lord Jesus, shall raise up us also by 
Jesus, and shall present us with you. John 11 : 25, 26. Job 
19 : 25, 27. Ps. 16 : 9, 10. 2 Cor. 4 : 14. 

I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning 
them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others 
which have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died, and 
rose again ; even so them also which sleep in Jesus, will God 
bring with him. Wherefore comfort one another with these 
words. For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time, 
are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall 
be revealed in us. 1 Thes. 4:13, 14, 18. Pom. 8 : 18-21, 
23. 

For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle 



FUNERAL. iqi 

were dissolved, we have a building- of God, a house not made 
with hands, eternal in the heavens. For this corruptible 
must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on im- 
mortality. So when this corruptible shall have put on incor- 
ruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then 
shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is 
swallowed up in victory. O death where is thy sting ? O 
grave where is thy victory ? The sting of death is sin, and 
the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God who 
giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Cor. 
5 : 1-4. 

See also. 1 Thes. 4 : 17 : 18. 2 Cor. 5 : 3, 4. Rom. 8 : 35-39. John 14 : 1-3. 
17 : 24. Rev. 14 : 13. 20 : 6. Ps. 16 : 11. 1 Cor. 15 : 20--57. Phil 1 : 21. 23. 
Rev. 21 : 21. 22 : 5. 

L. M. 

Asleep in Jesus ! blessed sleep ! 
From which none ever wake to weep ; 
A calm and undisturbed repose, 
Unbroken by the last of foes. 

Asleep in Jesus ! how sweet 

To be for such a slumber meet } 

"With holy confidence to sing 

That death hath lost its venomed sting. 

Asleep in Jesus! O for me 
May such a blissful refuge be ; 
Securely shall my ashes lie ; 
Waiting the summons from on high. 

PRAYER. 

God, thou art the same yesterday, to day, and forever. 
But man dieth and wasteth away ; yea man giveth up the 
ghost, and where is he ? As the waters fall from the sea, and 
the flood decay eth and drieth up, so man lieth down and 
riseth not ; till the heavens be no more, he shall not awake. 
O Lord we acknowledge with lively apprehension that our 
progress to the grave is rapid as it is certain. Our life is as 
a vapor which appeareth but a little time and then vanisheth 
away. Our days are swifter than a weaver's shuttle, swifter 
than a post they flee away. They are passed away as the 
swift ships ; as the eagle that hasteth to the prey. We are 
cut orf in the midst of our days : surely there is but a step 
between us and death. At its greatest length our life is 
short and transitory. In its greatest security, we know not 
what a day or an hour may bring forth. O Lord we ac- 
knowledge thy justice in this sad covenant of mortality. 



162 BIBLE PRAYER BOOK. 

Thon didst send sorrow and tears, sickness and death into 
the world, as a punishment for sin : for by sin death entered 
into the world and all our woes. But we rejoice that in 
vanquishing sin, our Saviour has removed the sting of death: 
that he has become the resurrection and the life ; and whosoever 
believeth on him shall be glorified with him in heaven. May 
these lively hopes cheer us amid the sorrows of life. May 
our afflictions appear light and not worthy a sigh, or a tear, 
when viewed in connection with that heavenly state for 
which they may soon be changed. Appoint to those who 
mourn beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, and the 
garments of praise for the spirit of heaviness. Break not 
the bruised reed : quench not the smoking flax. Verify in 
the experience of the bereaved, that earth hath no sorrows, 
that heaven cannot heal. Let them not open their mouth 
in complaining ; but kissing the rod and blessing him who 
appointed it, may they exclaim in dutiful resignation, The 
Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away, blessed be the 
name of the Lord. (Invoke blessing upon the particular 
members and relations of the bereaved family.) We beseech 
thee, by thy cross and passion; by thy death and burial ; by 
thy glorious resurrection and ascension, to hear us, miserable 
sinners. Enable us to finish the course and keep the faith, 
and gain the crown of thy people. Enable us to triumph 
over the last and most dreaded enemy. When we pass 
through the valley and the shadow of death, may we fear no 
evil. When the hoarse wave of Jordan breaks upon our 
startled ear : when our benumbed feet stand upon its chilly 
shore ; when our eyes growing dim, gaze upon the dark and 
forbidding stream, descrying no shore beyond ; when we 
sink in the troubled waters, and their waves and their billows 
roll over us : O God may thy promise support us there, caus- 
ing us to fear no evil ; and having passed the swellings of 
Jordan, may we shout deliverance on Canaan's shores, offer- 
ing glad homage and unending praise to him who has guided 
our trembling souls safely through the perils of life, and the 
terrors of death. " Our Father," &c. 



LXX.— FUNERAL. 



What is your life? It is even a vapor that appeareth for 
a little time, and then vanisheth away. My days are swifter 



FUNERAL. 163 

than a weaver's shuttle, swifter than a post they flee away. 
They are passed away as the swift ships: as the eagle that 
hasteth to the prey. James 4:14. Job 7 : 6. Job 9 : 25 
26. 

There is but a step between me and death. 

What man is he that livetb, and shall not see death? shall 
he deliver his soul from the hand of the grave ? One dieth 
in his full strength, being wholly at ease and quiet, his breasts 
are full of milk, and his bones are moistened with marrow. 
Another dieth in the bitterness of his soul, and never eateth 
with pleasure. They shall lie down alike in the dust, and the 
worms shall cover them. 1 Sam. 26:3. Ps. 89 : 48. Job 
21 : 23, 25, 26. 

All flesh shall perish together, and man shall turn again 
unto dust. Job 34 : 15. 

There is hope of a tree, if it be cut down, that it will sprout 
again, and that the tender branch thereof will not cease. 
Though the root thereof wax old in the earth, and the stock 
thereof die in the ground : yet through the scent of water it 
will bud, and bring forth boughs like a plant. But man dieth 
and wasteth away ; yea, man giveth up the ghost, and where 
is he ? As the waters fail from the sea, and the flood decay- 
eth and drieth up : so man lieth down, and riseth not, till the 
heavens be no more, they shall not awake ; nor be raised out 
of their sleep. Job 14 : 7-- 12. 

As by one man sin entered into the world, and death by 
sin : so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned. 
Rom. 5 : 12. 

No man hath power over the spirit to retain the spirit ; 
neither hath he power in the day of death ; and there is no 
discharge in that war. Eccl. 8 : 8. 

It is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the 
judgment. We must all appear before the judgment seat of 
Christ, that every one may receive the things done in his 
body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or 
bad. Heb. 9 : 27. 2 Cor. 5 : 10. 

The hour is coming in which all that are in the graves, 
shall hear his voice and shall come forth, they that have done 
good, unto the resurrection of life, and they that have done 
evil, unto the resurrection of damnation. John 5 : 28, 29. 

See also. Job 17 : 14. 14 : 14. 24 : 24. 30 : 23, 7 : 1. John 11 : 25, 26. Ps. 
49 : 6-12. ' 



164 BIBLE PRAYER BOOK. 



7's and 6's. 

As flows the rapid river, 
With channel broad and free, 
Its waters rippling ever, 
And hasting to the sea, 
So life is onward flowing, 
And days of offered peace. 
And man is swiftly going 
Where calls of mercy cease. 

As moons are ever waning, 
As hastes the sun away, 
As stormy winds, complaining. 
Bring on the wintry day, 
So fast the night comes o'er us 
The darkness of the grave ; 
And death is just before us : 
God takes the life he gave. 

Say, hath thy heart its treasure 
Laid up in worlds above? 
And is it all thy pleasure 
Thy God to praise and love? 
Beware, lest death's dark river, 
Its billows o'er thee roll, 
And thou lament forever, 
The ruin of thy soul. 

PRAYER. 

O thou who alone hast immortality, we acknowledge with 
humble shame our mortal destiny. Standing on the verge 
of the grave, we exclaim to the worm, Thou art my father, and 
to corruption, Thou art my sister and my mother. Every oc- 
currence of death sunders endearing relations, and opens new 
wounds in human hearts. Another member of the brother- 
hood of man — another citizen of our own community — and 
a member of the family residing here, has heard the awful 
summons. We stand rebuked and confounded while death 
is in our midst ; while the frail tabernacle is laid low — while 
the earthly tenement is vacated. Those eyes will never more 
beam upon us with intelligence ; those lips will never more 
smile to gladden our hearts ; that tongue will never more 
utter the word of instruction or of correction. Deprecating 
the loss we are called upon to sustain we would inquire, 
" Wherefore dost thou contend with us ?" But we are assur- 
ed that even the most trying dispensations are wisely ordered 
and graciously designed for our ultimate welfare : thou dost 
not willingly afflict the work of thy hands ; may w r e therefore 



FUNERAL OF A CHILD. 165 

be enabled to bow with submission to thy will, and say, "It 
is the Lord, let him do what seemeth him good." 

Be especially gracious to those upon whom this affliction 
will most severely fall. Be thou the husband of the widow, 
and the father of the fatherless, (or as the case may be.) 
And wilt thou in much mercy sanctify this bereavement to 
all our souls ; let spiritual light spring out of providential 
darkness ; heavenly joy out of earthly sorrow ; and eternal 
life out of natural death ; that while our departed friend 
speaks to us from the grave, we may hear the voice and pre- 
pare to follow. And when the same summons shall come to 
each of us, may we be found in possession of a faith which 
can ward off the sting of death itself, and as the body passes 
to its native earth, may the spirit be permitted to soar to the 
realms of everlasting life, where we may praise the Father, 
Son and Holy Spirit for ever and ever. Amen. 



LXXL— FUNERAL OF A CHILD. 

Man that is born of a woman, is of few days, and full of 
trouble. He cometh forth like a flower, and is cut down : he 
fleeth also as a shadow and continueth not. All flesh is grass 
and all the goodliness thereof is as the flower of the field. 
They are like grass which groweth up. In the morning it 
flourisheth and groweth up : in the evening it is cut down 
and withereth. Job 14 : 1, 2. Isaiah 40 : 6. Ps. 90 : 5, 6. 

Lord make me to know mine end, and the measure of my 
days, what it is : That I may know how frail I am. Behold 
thou hast made my days as a hand-breadth, and mine age is 
as nothing before thee : verily every man at his best state, is 
altogether vanity. Ps. 39 : 4, 5. 

We brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we 
can carry nothing out. Naked came I out of my mother's 
womb, and naked shall I return thither ; the Lord gave and 
the Lord taketh away, blessed be the name of the Lord. 1 
Tim. 6:7. Job 1 : 21. 

David therefore besought God for the child, and David 
fasted, and went in and lay all night upon the earth. And 
the Elders of his house arose, and went to him to raise him 
up from the earth ; but he would not, neither did he eat 
bread with them. And it came to pass on the seventh day 
that the child died ; and the servants of David feared to tell 



166 BIBLE PRAYER BOOK. 

him that the child was dead : for they said, behold, while the 
child was yet alive, we spake unto him, and he would not 
hearken unto our voice, how will he then vex himself, if we 
tell him that the child is dead. 2 Sam. 12 : 16, 23. 

But when David saw that his servants whispered, David 
perceived that the child was dead ; therefore David said unto 
his servants, Is the child dead ? and they said, he is dead : 
Then David arose from the earth and washed and anointed 
himself, and changed his apparel and came unto the house of 
the Lord, and worshipped. Then he came to his own house, 
and when he required, they set bread for him, and he did eat. 
Then said his servants unto him, What thing is this that thou 
hast done ? thou didst fast and weep for the child while it 
was alive, but when the child was dead thou didst rise and 
eat bread. And he said, while the child was yet alive, I fast- 
ed and wept : for I said ; Who can tell whether God will be 
gracious to me, that the child may live ? But now he is dead 
wherefore should I fast ? Can I bring him back again ? I 
shall go to him, but he shall not return to me. 

See also. 2 Kings 4 : 18-26. 1 Sam. 2 : 18-26. 3 : 2-10. Gen. 37 : 20-35. 2 
Sam. 18 : 31—33. Jer. 31 : 35. 

C. M. 

Ye mourning saints, whose streaming tears, 
Flow o'er your children dead, 
Say not in transports of despair, 
That all your hopes are fled. 

While cleaving to that darling dust, 
In fond distress ye lie ; 
Rise, and with joy, and reverence view, 
A heavenly parent nigh. 

Though your young branches torn away, 
Like withered trunks ye stand ; 
With fairer verdure shall ye bloom, 
Touched by the Almighty's hand. 

We welcome, Lord! those rising tears, 

Thro' which thy face we see ; 

And bless those wounds which thro' our hearts, 

Prepare a way to thee. 

PRAYER,. 

We acknowledge with humility the frailty and uncertainty 
of human life. It is short at its greatest length, and in its 
greatest security ; it is without defence. The old must die, 
and the young may die. For death hath passed upon all, 
even those who have not sinned after the similitude of Adam's 



FUNERAL OF A CHILD. 167 

transgression, and youth, childhood and infancy fade before 
the withering breath of the destroyer. The opening bud of 
existence is broken from its parent stem, ere yet it has dis- 
played its beauties and exhaled its fragrance. The blossoms 
fall from the tree of life, or the partially grown fruit decays 
before the golden clusters of Autumn bend down its branches. 
In the blade, or stalk, or unripened kernel, the harvest is 
blasted and turned back into the earth, disappointing the 
hopes, and leaving unrequited the toil, and unsatisfied the 
wants of the husbandman. Lord, we deplore these wide 
and unsparing ravages of death ; invading every period and 
every condition of life, defacing beauty and crushing deformi- 
ty, alike treading down weakness and strength, alike casting 
fame and obscurity into oblivion, investing alike with the dra- 
pery of mourning the mansions of the rich, and the cottages 
of the poor; casting down the pretensions of the proud, and 
breaking the dependence of the humble. May we with just 
apprehension and alarm, trace in these ravages of mortality 
the effects of sin, and be led to repent of sin, while we 
behold and deplore its consequences. May we discern with 
admin ng gratitude the promise of the gospel to take away 
the sting of death, abolish its reign, and through a resurrec- 
tion from the dead, elevate our mortal race to a glorious im- 
mortality. may w y e enjoy the quickening influences of 
spiritual life, that we may have part in the resurrection of 
the just. May the afflictions of this life be sanctified to us. 
May each member of our family lost to us here, render more 
attractive to us the association of the future life, and quicken 
our aspirations to join the general assembly in heaven. Com- 
fort the bereaved and sorrowing parents. As sheep strayed 
upon the mountain, fleeing from the shepherd and not regard- 
ing his repeated call, when he takes the lambs in his bosom 
and bears them bleating back to the fold, will follow, and in 
a secure shelter escape the dangers' of the desert, the coming 
night and the storm; so may they now follow the voice of 
the good shepherd, they may have so long refused to hear, as 
he bears another little lamb to the heavenly fold. May they 
find it good to have been afflicted, and more assiduously dis- 
charge their personal and relative duties. May they be ena- 
bled to bring up their remaining children in the nurture and 
admonition of the Lord. Bless the children and other rela- 
tives of the family; and sympathising friends and acquaint- 
ances. May we find it better to go to the house of mourning 



168 BIBLE PRAYER BOOK. 

than to the house of feasting. By the sadness of the counte- 
nance, may the heart be made better. And having discharg- 
ed faithfully the duties of this life, may we be brought to the 
inheritance of the saints in light upon which the shadows of 
sin and death shall never fall. " Our Father." 



LXXIL— READINGS FOR FUNERALS, AND THE SICK ROOM. 

Afflictions demand sympathy. Pro v. 17 : 17. Job 6 : 14-21. 
Ps. 35 : 13-15. Rom. 12 : 15. Heb. 13 : 3. 

Afflictions divinely appointed. Job 14 : 1. 5 : 6, 7. Ps. 

39 : 9-13. 102 : 10. 

Afflictions sanctified. Job 36 : 8, 9, 10. Hos. 5 : 15. 
Zech. 13 : 9. Ps. 78 : 34, 35. 94 : 12,-13. 119 : 67, 74, 
75. Heb. 12 : 6-11. Deut. 8 : 2, 3. 1 Pet. 1 : 7. 

Afflictions unsanctified. Amos. 4 : 6-10. Jer. 5:3. Is. 
9 : 13. 1 : 4, 5. Prov. 29 : 1. 

Support under afflictions. Job 11 : 16. Ps. 30 : 5. 
55 : 22. 22 : 24. 46 : 1, 2. 23 : 4. 71 : 20. 138 : 7. 
Is. 25 : 4. 49 : 13. 54 : 7. 50 : 10. 2 Cor. 1 : 3, 4. 
Job 5 : 19. Nahum 1 : 7. Heb. 3 : 17, 18. Ps. 145 : 14. 

Afflictions of Hezehiah. 2 .Chron 29 : 1-29. 30 : 1-26. 
2 Kings 20 : 1-6. 

Afflictions of Manasseh. 2 Chron. 33 : 1-10. 2 Kings 
21 : 10-14. 2 Chron. 33 : 11-16. 

Afflictions of Job. 1 : 1-22. 2 : 3-13. 10 : 1-21. 

40 : 1-5. 42 : 2-12. 

C. M. 

When sickness shakes the languid frame, 
Each phantom pleasure flies 5 
Vain hopes of bliss no more obscure 
Our long deluded eyes. 

The man whose pious heart is fixed 
Securely on his God, 
In every frown may comfort find, 
And kiss the chastening rod. 

PRAYER. 

O thou, who art the Father of the spirits of all flesh, to 
whom should we come in the hour of affliction but unto 
thee ? Thou hast said, Call upon me in the day of trouble 
and I will deliver thee, and thou 6halt glorify me. We 



CHARITABLE ASSOCIATIONS. 169 

confess that we are fearfully and wonderfully made ; and 
these bodies which are so curiously constructed, and the 
sources of so much enjoyment to us, are likewise susceptible of 
the acutest sufferings and the completest prostration by the 
power of disease. This in thine inscrutible providence we 
are assured by thy word thou hast permitted for the most 
beneficent designs. Thou canst cause physical evil to convey 
spiritual blessings — the punishment of the body to increase 
the health and ultimate enjoyment of the soul. In this 
period of our suffering we would therefore submit to thy will 
without murmuring, and if necessary to the ravages of disease 
without complaining. Let us even rejoice in tribulation also, 
knowing that tribulation worketh patience, and patience ex- 
perience, and experience hope, and hope maketh not ashamed, 
because the love of God is shed abroad in the heart by the 
Holy Ghost given unto us. Yes, while we would be submis- 
sive to thy will in whatever way it is manifested, we pray 
thee, if consistent therewith to rebuke the disease, and to restore 
us to soundness of health : and as we understand the value of 
our mercies by a temporary loss of them, we pray that when 
the affliction shall have passed away, its salutary influences, 
may remain, and be exhibited in the more entire consecration 
of our hearts to thee, and the more consistent and uniform 
and devoted tenor of our lives before the world. And when 
the last moment of our earthly existence shall have arrived, 
may we be found with our lamps trimmed, and our lights 
burning, and be permitted to enter into the joy of our Lord. 
" Our Father," &c 



LXXIIL— CHARITABLE ASSOCIATIONS. 

I say unto you make to yourselves friends of the mammou 
of unrighteousness, that when ye fail, they may receive you 
into everlasting habitations. If, therefore, ye have not been 
faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to 
your trust the true riches ? Ye cannot serve God and mam- 
mon. Luke 16 : 9-13. 

Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not 
high minded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living 
God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy, that they do 
good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, 
willing to communicate ; laying up in store for themselves a 

8 



170 BIBLE PRAYER BOOK. 

good foundation against the time to come that they may lay 
hold on eternal life. 2 Tim. 6 : 17, 18, 19. 

Let us not be weary in well doing : for in due season, we 
shall reap if we faint not. As we have, therefore opportunity, 
let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of 
the household of faith. I have showed you all things, how 
that so laboring ye ought to support the weak, and to 
remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is 
more blessed to give than to receive. Gal. 6 : 9, 10. Acts 
20 : 35. 

Sell that ye have and give alms, provide yourselves bags 
which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens, that faileth not, 
where no thief approacheth, neither moth corrupteth. For 
where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. He 
that hath two coats, let him impart to him that hath none ; 
and he that hath meat, let him do likewise. Luke 12 : 33. 
Luke 3 : 11. 

When ye reap the harvest of your land, thou shalt not 
wholly reap the corners of thy field, neither shalt thou gather 
the gleanings of thy harvests. And thou shalt not glean thy 
vineyard, neither shalt thou gather every grape of thy vine- 
yard, thou shalt leave them for the poor and stranger : I am 
the Lord your God. Lev. 19:9. 

If thy brother be waxen poor and fallen in decay with 
thee : then shalt thou relieve him, yea, though he be a stran- 
ger, or a sojourner : that he may live with thee. Thou shalt 
surely give him, and thine heart shall not be grieved when 
thou givest unto him : because for this thing the Lord thy 
God shall bless thee in all thy works, and in all that thou 
puttest thy hand unto. Lev. 25 : 35. Lent. 15 : 10. 

The poor shall never cease out of the land : therefore I 
command thee, saying, Thou shalt open thine hand wide 
unto thy brother, to thy poor, and to thy needy, in thy land. 
But whoso hath this world's goods and seeth his brother have 
need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, 
how dwelleth the love of God in him ? Pure religion and 
undefiled before God and the Father, is this, to visit the 
fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself 
unspotted from the world. 1 John 3:17. James 1 : 27. 

I delivered the poor that cried, and the fatherless, and him 
that had none to help him. The blessing* of him that was 
ready to perish came upon me : and I caused the widow's 
heart to sing for joy. Job. 29 : 12, 13. 



CHARITABLE ASSOCIATIONS. tfl 

All that believed had all things common ; and sold their 
possessions and goods, and parted them to all men as every 
man had need. Acts 2 : 44. 

He said unto him, (Cornelius,) Thy prayers, and thine 
alms, are come up for a memorial before God. Acts 10 : 4. 

Therefore as ye abound in every thing, in faith, and utter- 
ance, and knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your love 
to us, see that ye abound in this grace also. Freely ye have 
received, freely give. 2 Cor. 8 : 7. Matt. 10 : 8. 

See also, Matt. 5:7. 25 : 34. Luke G : 38. Heb. 13 : 6. 2 Cor. 9 : 6-8. 
Proy. 3 : 9. 10. 11 : 24. 25. Eoe. 11 : 1. Prov. 22 : 9. 19 : 17 Ps. 41 : 1, 2. 
Is. 32 :8. 58 :6 -11. 

C. M. 

To scenes of woe, to beds of pain 
We'll cheerfully repair, 
And with the gifts thy hand bestows, 
Relieve the sufferers there. 

The widow's heart shall sing for joy ; 
The orphan shall be glad ; 
And hungering souls will gladly point 
To Christ the living bread. 

PRAYER. 

thou who art the Father of the fatherless, and the Judge 
of the widow, who hast declared it to be pure religion and 
undefiled before God and the Father, to visit the fatherless 
and the widow in their afflictions, bless all thy servants in 
any way engaged in supporting and carrying on this work 
of mercy and love. May those that have pity on the poor, 
find, by happy experience, that they have lent unto the Lord, 
and that he pays them again what they have given. 

Help us to remember what a responsible duty is committed 
to our charge, rightly to divide and apportion those alms 
which have been entrusted to us, among those in real neces- 
sity ; and give us grace to act wisely and faithfully. 

In all our visits to the poor and afflicted do thou go with 
us. Enable us to speak to them, and act towards them, 
both in fidelity and in tenderness. With whatever difficul- 
ties, disappointments, or reproaches, we may meet, let us 
never be weary of well-doing. Enable us in all thing's 
patiently to follow his example who went about doing good. 

Bless us and all men in every endeavor to reclaim the 
wicked, instruct the ignorant, comfort the mourner, and con- 
firm the believer ; and make true religion every where spread, 



172 BIBLE PRAYER BOOK. 

till the earth be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the 
Lord as the waters cover the sea, through Jesus Christ our 
Lord. Allien. 



LXX1Y.— EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATIONS. 

Jesus said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you. 
For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ : and 
shall deceive many. For there shall arise false Christs, and 
false prophets, and shall show great signs and wonders : inso- 
much that (if it were possible) they shall deceive the very 
elect. Matt. 24 : 4, 5. 

If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, 
receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed. 
For he that biddeth him God speed, is partaker of his evil 
deeds. 2 John 10 : 11. 

There be some that trouble you, and would pervert the 
gospel of Christ. But though we or an angel from heaven 
preach any other gospel unto you, than that which we have 
preached unto you, let him be accursed. As we said before, 
so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto 
you, than that we have received, let him be accursed. Gal. 
1 : 7, 8, 9. 

Be not deceived, evil communications corrupt good man- 
ners. A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump. 

I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions 
and offences, contrary to the doctrine which we have learned, 
and avoid them. Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try 
the spirits whether they are of God : because many false pro- 
phets are gone out into the world. For I know this, that 
after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you 
not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves shall men 
arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after 
them. For many deceivers are entered into the world, who 
confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a 
deceiver and an antichrist. 1 Cor. 15 : 33. Gal. 5:9. 
Rom. 16 : 17. 1 John 4 : 1. Acts 20 : 29, 30. 2 John 7. 

See also, 2 Thes«. 2 : 1-10. Rev. 17 : 1--18. 2 Pe. 1 : 1, 2. 2 Cor. 11 : 13--15. 



EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATIONS. 173 

S. M. 

Let party names no more 
The christian world o'erspread ; 
Gentile and Jew, and bond and free, 
Are one, in Christ, their head. 

Among the saints on earth, 
Let mutual love abound ; 
Heirs of the same inheritance, 
With mutual blessings crowned. 

Thus will the church below 
Eesemble that above : 
Where streams of endless pleasure flow, 
And every heart is love. 

PRAYER. 

We adore thee for the unspeakable gift of thy Son for the 
redemption of the world : and for the clearer revelation of thy 
will through him. Thine eternal power and godhead are re- 
vealed in thy works. But alas, the inscriptions of thy name 
and character have been effaced or obscured, or misinterpret- 
ed by human depravity, till they are appealed to, to sanction 
all monstrous beliefs and rites. We rejoice that thou hast 
sent thy Son into the world to revise and bring out more 
clearly its former revelations; removing prejudicing interpola- 
tations, glosses and traditions of men. Embodying their 
principles and obligations in clearest teachings and parables, 
examples remain to the end of time, the divine witness and 
authoritative expounder of the truth. We come to him as the 
way, the truth and the life. To the holy scriptures as inter- 
preted, completed and sanctioned by him, we take heed as to 
a light shining in a dark place. Those who teach not ac- 
cording to them have no light in them. Those who reject 
their doctrines and ordinances rebel against God, and are 
antichrist. Those who keep their faith and honor their insti- 
tutions are of the true church of Christ. O let us not, like the 
misguided Jews, appeal to ancestry merely, or to ecclesiastical 
lineage to establish the genuineness of our faith and profes- 
sion : but may we approve ourselves successors of the Apos- 
tles, in our faith, our doctrine, our spirit, our zeal, our self-de- 
nial and our usefulness. O God, subvert every principality 
and power of antichrist, exalting itself against the truth, the 
simplicity of religion and the rights of thy people. Let every 
hierarchy which opposes the spread and dominion of the gos- 
pel be overthrown. Let those appointed to religious office, 



174 BIBLE PRAYER BOOK. 

remember that there are no dominions and lordships in thy 
kingdom ; that those are properly the greatest who are hum- 
blest, and serve most. Let them not seek to be called Rabbi, 
or to be greatest. Let the truth as revealed in thy word be 
contended for in earnestness of sincere conviction, and in be- 
nevolent zeal for its dominion among men. In exposing error 
may we meekly instruct those who oppose themselves. Let 
sectarian bigotry and persecution cease. Break thou every 
persecuting power. May the dungeons of the inquisitions 
never again be opened, nor its fires again lighted. Let thy 
kingdom come in its spiritual distinctions and power, dis- 
claiming worldly pomp, conformity to, or alliance with civil 
government. Let it come, though not observed by men, in 
its dominion over individual hearts, over the order of families 
and of universal society. Bless the followers of Christ of 
every name and denomination. Approaching Christ in a 
more implicit faith and in a stricter obedience, may they at- 
tain a higher union, and a more intimate and pure fellowship. 
So far as they have attained to the same views, may they be 
careful to walk by the same rule, embody and demonstrate 
that union in catholic alliances and enterprises. Let not 
Ephraim any longer vex Judah ; nor Judah any longer vex 
Ephraim. Bless bible and missionary societies. Bless Sun- 
day school and tract societies. Bless all institutions having 
for their object the dissemination of the knowledge of Christ. 
O send out thy light and truth. Gather in thine ancient 
people the Jews. May the abundance of the seas be convert- 
ed to thee, with the forces of the Gentiles. " Our Father," &c. 



LXXV.— EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATIONS. 

John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the 
Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world : And 
two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus. One 
of the two which heard John speak, and followed him, was 
Andrew, Simon Peter's brother. He first findeth his own 
brother Simon, and saith unto him, We have found the Mes- 
siah, which is, being interpreted, the Christ. And he brought 
him to Jesus. The day following, Jesus findeth Philip, and 
saith unto him, follow me. Philip findeth Nathaniel, and 
saith unto him, We have found him of whom Moses in the 



EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATIONS. 175 

law, and in the prophets, did write, Jesus of Nazareth the son 
of Joseph. John 1 : 29, 31. John 1 : 40-43, 45. 

And when he had called unto him his twelve disciples, he 
commanded them, saying, Go not into the way of the Gentiles, 
and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not : but go 
rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. And as ye go, 
preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand. Matt. 

10 : 1, 5, 6, 7. 

After these things the Lord appointed other seventy also, 
and sent them two and two before his face, into every city 
and place whither he himself would come. Therefore said he 
unto them, The harvest truly is great, but the laborers are 
few : pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he would 
send forth laborers into his harvest. Go your ways : and 
into whatsoever city ye enter, say unto them, The kingdom 
of God is come nigh unto you. Luke 10 : 1, 2, 3, 8, 9. 

They that gladly received his word, were baptized. And 
all that believed, were together, and had all things common : 
and sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all 
men, as every man had need. And the Lord added to the 
church daily, such as should be saved. Acts 2 : 41, 44, 45, 
47. 

Saul made havoc of the church, entering into every house, 
and haling men and women, committed them to prison. 
Therefore they that were scattered abroad, went every where 
preaching the word. 

Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria and preach- 
ed Christ unto them. And there was great joy in that city. 
Acts 8 : 3, 4, 5, 8. 

As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all 
men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith. 
And let us not be weary in well doing : for in due season we 
shall reap if we faint not. Gal. 6 : 9, 10. 

He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, 
shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves 
with him. Ps. 126 : 6. 

He that winneth souls, is wise. If any of you do err from 
the truth, and one convert him, let him know, that he which 
converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a 
soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins. Prov. 

11 : 30. James 5 : 19, 20. 

See also, Acts 2 : 41-47. 8 : 3-8. 20 : 1-21. Rom. 1 : 11-15. Heb. 6 : 10-12. 
John 4 : 5-36 



176 BIBLE PRAYER BOOK. 



C. M. 



Be merciful to us, O God ; 

Upon thy people shine 5 

And spread thy saving truth abroad, 

Till all that live be thine. 

Give light and comfort to thine own ; 
And let that light extend 
Till thy prevailing name be known 
To earth's remotest end. 

Let all the people praise thee, Lord ; 
Let all their homage bring ; 
From sea to sea be thou adored, 
Redeemer, Judge, and King. 

PRAYER. 

We thank thee, our father in heaven, that we are permitted 
at the close of another associational year, to meet together as 
representatives and messengers of the churches of the Lord 
Jesus Christ. 

And now that we are convened in thy name, we pray thee 
to descend into our midst in the energy of thy Spirit and let 
great grace rest upon us all. 

Give unto thy servants in counsel the wisdom which is 
profitable to direct ; let all their deliberations be marked by 
a spirit of forbearance and christian love ; let their opinions 
be harmonious : let their decisions be unanimous ; and let 
the great interests of the gospel and of humanity be furthered 
by the measures we shall adopt. 

We desire to record with gratitude our acknowledgments 
of thy goodness in the prosperity thou hast vouchsafed to the 
various churches we represent up to the present time ; and 
now that we are thus assembled together, would we unitedly 
raise our Ebenezer, and say, Hitherto the Lord hath helped 
us. 

And while we praise thee for blessings past, would Ave also 
devoutly supplicate thy benediction for the time to come — 
to this end, gracious God, w T e entreat thee to look with favor 
on the pastors of the churches : may each watchman upon 
the walls of Zion, give a faithful alarm to the people : may 
each pastor feed thy people with knowledge and understand- 
ing : may each ambassader of the cross be a scribe well 
instructed, a man mighty in the scriptures, a workman that 
needeth not to be ashamed rightly dividing the word of 
truth. 



MISSIONARY MEETING. 177 

And wilt thou be pleased to bless the office bearers 
among us ; 0, that they may be pillars in thy temple : 
examples of eminent piety, and men full of faith and of the 
Holy Ghost. And let all the members of our Israel live 
before thee : in their less exposed and more retired sphere of 
action, may they adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in 
all things, and by precept and example instrumentally win 
men to a conformity to the truth. 

Especially would we pray, that thou wouldst give efficacy 
to the word of thy grace — let it run and be glorified — let it 
be mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds : 
let it be in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, and by 
it, let much people be added to the Lord. 

Bless, Lord, all our benevolent and evangelical institutions — 
our missionary, bible, tract, and temperance societies — increase 
their efficiency — multiply their means, and give them great 
success. 

And let a pure and enlightened Christianity every where 
prevail — let the truth be spread throughout the earth — let 
churches be planted in every land : and let the whole earth 
be filled with thy glory. Amen and Amen. 



LXXYL— MISSIONARY MEETING. 

Jesus spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me 
in heaven and in earth. Go .ye, therefore, and teach all na- 
tions, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the 
Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Teaching them to observe all 
things whatsoever I have commanded you : and lo, I am 
with you alway, even unto the end of the world. I will de- 
clare the decree : the Lord hath said unto me, Thou art my 
Son ; this day have I begotten thee. Ask of me, and I shall 
give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, and the uttermost 
parts of the earth for thy possession. I will be exalted among 
the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth. Matt. 28 : 18, 
19, 20. Ps. 2 : 7, 8. 

Look unto me, and be ye saved all the ends of the earth : 
for I am God, and there is none else. I have sworn by my- 
self : the word has gone out of my mouth in righteousness, 
and shall not return, that unto me every knee shall bow, every 
tongue shall swear. Ps. 46 : 10. Isaiah 45 : 22, 23. 

All the ends of the world shall remember, and turn unto 
8* 



178 BIBLE PRAYER BOOK. 

the Lord ; and all the kindreds of the cations shall worship 
before thee. Ps. 22 : 27. 

In the last days it shall come to pass, that the mountain, 
of the house of the Lord shall be established in the top of the 
mountai\s, and it shall be exalted above the hills, and the 
people shall flow unto it. And many nations shall come, and 
say ; Come, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, 
and to the house of the God of Jacob, and he will teach us 
of his ways, and we will walk in his paths : for the law shall 
go forth of Zion, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem. 
And the kingdom and dominion, and the greatness of the 
kingdom under the whole heaven, shall be given to the peo- 
ple of the saints of the Most High, whose kingdom is an ever- 
lasting kingdom, and all dominions shall serve and obey him. 
For the earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the glory 
of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea. Micah 4 : 1, 2. 
Ban. 7 : 27. Hab. 2 : 14. 

7's. and 6's. 

From Greenland's icy mountains, 
From India's coral strand, — 
Where Afric's sunny fountains 
Roll down their golden sand, — 
From many an ancient river, 
From many a palmy plain, — ■ 
They call us to deliver 
Their land from error's chain. 

PRAYER. 

thou who art God over all and blessed forevermore, we 
adore thee that thou hast so loved the world, as to give thy 
only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should 
not perish, but have everlasting life, and that in the fulness 
of time thou didst send him forth to enshrine himself in our 
nature, to suffer our infirmities, and to expiate our transgres- 
sions ; and in connection with his appearance on earth, didst 
give thy glorious gospel, of which thy Son is the foundation 
and the subject, to be preached throughout the world ; we 
would ask, with wondering admiration and adoring awe, Lord, 
what is man, that thou art thus mindful of him, or the son 
of man that thou thus visitest him ? 

But we bless thee also that thou hast designed this glorious 
gospel of thy son as the means of accomplishing the salvation 
of our race ; and thou hast appointed man as the messenger 
by which it is to be made known : and many are now engag- 



MISSIONARY MEETING. 179 

ed in various parts of the world, making known to the hea- 
then who have forgotten thee, the truth as it is in Jesus, and 
the riches of a Saviour's love. Let the lives of those who 
have forsaken all to preach Christ in heathen lands, be pre- 
cious in thy sight ; give unto them favor in the sight of the 
people : prepare their minds for the reception of the truth ; 
break down every prejudice, and subdue all opposition ; let 
a door of entrance every where be opened for the admission 
of thy word, and let a door of utterance be opened to thy 
servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word, 
and that signs and wonders may be wrought through the 
name of thy holy child Jesus. 

Give, we beseech thee, O Lord, such efficiency to thy ser- 
vants, and efficacy to thy word, that speedily every erroneous 
system may be broken up ; let the heathen be enlightened ; 
let Mahomedans be convinced ; let antichrist be overthrown ; 
let the Jews be brought in ; let truth and righteousness and 
peace and happiness and joy and consolation every where 
prevail, and let the angel soon in rapturous strains declare, 
The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our 
God and of his Christ, and he shall reign for ever and ever. 
And now, &c. 



LXXVIL— MISSIONARY MEETING-. 

After these things, the Lord appointed other seventy also, 
and sent them two and two before his face, into every city 
and place, whither he himself would come. Therefore said 
he unto them, The harvest truly is great, but the laborers 
are few ; pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he 
would send forth laborers into his harvest. Luke 10 : 1, 2. 

We know the whole world lieth in wickedness. The dark 
places of the earth are full of the habitations of cruelty. 
When they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither 
were thankful : and changed the glory of the incorruptible 
God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, 
and four-footed beasts, and creeping things. Who changed 
the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped, and served the 
creature more than the Creator. And even as they did not 
like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over 
to a reprobate mind. There is no fear of God before their 



180 BIBLE PRAYER BOOK. 

eyes. There is none that understandeth, there is none that 
seeketh after God. None saith, Where is God my maker, 
who giveth songs in the night \ Who teacheth us more than 
the beasts of the earth, and maketh us wiser than the fowls 
of heaven. John 5:19. Ps. 74 : 20., Rom. 1 : 23, 25, 28. 
Bom. 3 : 18, 11. Job. 35 : 10, 11. 

Where there is no vision, the people perish. How shall 
they call on him in whom they have not believed ? and how 
shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard ? and 
how shall they hear without a preacher \ and how shall they 
preach except they be sent ? as it is written : How beautiful 
are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and 
bring glad tidings of good things. Arise, shine ; for thy light 
is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee. For, 
behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness 
the people : but the Lord shall arise upon thee, and his glory 
shall be seen upon thee. And the Gentiles shall come to thy 
light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising. I will also 
give thee for a light to the Gentiles, that thou mayest be my 
salvation, unto the end of the earth. And the Redeemer shall 
come to Zion, and unto them that turn from transgression in 
Jacob, saith the Lord. Prov. 29 : 18. Rom. 10 : 14, 15. 
Isaiah 60 : 1, 2, 3. Isaiah 49 : 6. Isaiah 59 : 20. 

His name shall endure for ever : his name shall be continu- 
ed as long as the sun : and men shall be blessed in him ; all 
nations shall call him blessed. All nations whom thou hast 
made, shall come and worship before thee, O Lord, and shall 
glorify thy name. Ps. 86 : 9. N 

See also, Nos. 13, 14, 18, 20, 21. 

8's, 7's and 4's. 

O'er the gloomy hills of darkness, 
Look my soul, be still aud gaze ; 
See the promises advancing 
To a glorious day of grace : 

Blessed jubilee, 
Let thy glorious morning dawn. 

PRAYER. 

Almighty and most merciful Father, we give thee humble 
thanks for the light of thy gospel. Make us more grateful 
for this thy mercy, and more zealous for the salvation of all 
mankind. Look with pity on every christian land. Take 
away all darkness and superstition and worldliness of spirit 
from the christian churches, that they may arise and shine 



MISSIONARY MEETING. 181 

and show that their light is come, and the glory of the Lord 
risen upon them, O Lord bless thy servants who are laboring 
among the heathen ! The harvest truly is great, but the la- 
borers are few. thou Lord of the harvest, send forth la- 
borers into thy harvest ! Raise up, we beseech thee, in 
greater numbers, humble, self-denying and holy men. Fill 
their hearts with love to thee and to the souls of the heathen. 
Let them have this grace given unto them, that they may 
preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ ! 
Make them diligent and skilful in learning the languages of 
the heathen. Let them be active, devout, and dead to the 
world. Guard them from sickness and pain. Keep them 
from the snares of the world, the flesh and the devil. Deliver 
them from all evil. Comfort their hearts, strengthen their 
hands, and make them wise to win souls ; and give unto all 
around them ears to hear and hearts to understand ! Take 
away blindness from the Jews. Let them receive thee, O 
Jesus, as their Messiah, and proclaim thy saving name among 
the Gentiles ! Deliver all Mahomedans from the delusions of 
the false Prophet. O thou true Prophet of thy church, en- 
lighten them by thy Holy Spirit, and bow them down at the 
foot of thy cross. Pity blind idolators who are kept in cruel 
bondage by the good of this world. Turn them from idols, 
that they may serve the living and true God ! Bring all the 
heathen throughout the world from darkness to light and 
from the power of Satan unto God ! O let the kingdoms of 
this world become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ ! 
Bless all the children in the schools among the heathen ; and 
make many of them, when they grow up, to become wise and 
faithful preachers of the gospel to their own countrymen ! 
Bless all who labor iu every nation to make known thy holy 
word in the languages of the people ; yea, so bless them, that 
every man may soon read in his own tongue wherein he was 
born, the wonderful works of God ! Unite as one man all 
who are truly laboring for thee. Let all christian societies 
live in harmony and love. Give them wisdom in all their 
plans, and grace to choose fit persons to serve thee among the 
heathen ; and cause all missionaries to keep the unity of the 
spirit in the bond of peace ! Disappoint the designs of Satan. 
Make perfect thy strength, Almighty Saviour, in the weakness 
of thy servants ! O thou, who by the right hand of God art 
exalted, and hast received of the Father the promise of the 
Holy Ghost, shed forth his light and grace on this dark world! 



182 BIBLE PRAYER BOOK. 

Thou hast ascended on high — thou hast led captivity captive 
— thou hast received gifts for men — yea, even for the rebel- 
lious. O pour down those gifts on all thy servants, that the 
Lord God may dwell among them ! Cause all christians, we 
beseech thee, to sow bountifully, that they may reap also 
bountifully. thou that lovest a cheerful giver, Jet all grace 
abound toward them, that they may minister liberally of their 
substance to the making known of thy name ! Pour out on 
all christian ministers and people a spirit of grace and suppli- 
cation ; and enable them to plead in faith the glorious pro- 
mises of thy holy word ! With these our humble prayers, we 
join our praises and thanksgivings for what thou hast done, 
in making thy saving health known to the perishing heathen. 
Perfect thy work, O Lord, concerning them. Make thy name 
great among the heathen, and in every place may incense be 
offered to thy name and a pure offering. Gather thy sons 
from far and thy daughters from the ends of the earth, till the 
union of the church universal shall be celebrated in heaven, 
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 



LXXVUL— BIBLE MEETING. 



What advantage hath the Jew ? or what profit is there of 
circumcision ? much every way : chiefly because that unto 
them were committed the oracles of God, as he spake by the 
mouth of his holy prophets, which have been since the world 
began. Rom. 3 : 1, 2. Luke 1 : 7. 

All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profita- 
ble for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in 
righteousness. Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the 
scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy 
came not in old time by the will of man : but holy men of 
God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost. 2 Tim. 
3 : 16. 2 Peter 1 : 20, 21. 

For whatsoever things were written aforetime, were written 
for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the 
Scriptures might have hope. Rom. 15:4. 

He (Jesus,) said unto them, These are the words which I 
spake unto you while I was yet with you, that all things must 
be fulfilled which were written in the Law of Moses, and in 
the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me. The scrip- 
ture cannot be broken : heaven and earth shall pass away, 



BIBLE MEETING. 183 

but my words shall not pass away. Luke 24 : 44. John 
10 : 35. Matt. 24 : 35. 

Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, 
neither shall you diminish aught from it, that ye may keep 
the commandments of the Lord your God, which I command 
you. i For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of 
the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these 
things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written 
in this book. Deut. 4:2. Rev. 22 : 18. 

To the law and to the testimony : if they speak not 
according to this word, it is because there is no light in them. 
In vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines, the com- 
mandments of men. The prophet that hath my word let him 
speak my word faithfully : what is the chaff to the wheat 
saith the Lord ? We have also a sure word of prophecy, 
whereunto ye do well that ye take heed as unto a light that 
shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn and the day star 
arise in your hearts. Isaiah 8 : 20. Mark 7 : 1. Jer. 
23 : 28. 2 Peter 1 : 19. 

The entrance of thy word giveth light : it giveth under- 
standing unto the simple. Thy word is a lamp unto my 
feet : and a light unto my path. Ps. 119 : 130, 105. 

O how love I thy law ! it is my meditation all the day. 
The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul : the tes- 
timony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple. The 
statutes of the Lord are right rejoicing the heart : the com- 
mandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes. Ps. 
119 :97. Ps. 19 : 7, 8. 

Through thy precepts I get understanding : moreover by 
them is thy servant warned : and in keeping of them there 
is great reward. How sweet are thy words unto my taste ! 
yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth. More to be desired 
are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold. Ps. 119 : 104. 
Ps. 19 : 11. Ps. 119 : 103. Ps. 19 : 10. 

Thy word is true from the beginning : and every one of 
thy righteous judgments endureth for ever. Search the 
Scriptures, for in them ye think ye have eternal life, and they 
are they which testify of me. Ps. 119 : 160. John 5 : 39. 

See also. Deut. 5 : 5, 36. 11 : 18-21. Hob. 1 : 1, 2. 

C. M. 

How precious i£ the book divine 
By inspiration given! 
Bright as a lamp its doctrines shine, 
To guide our souls to heaven. 



184 BIBLE PRAYER BOOK. 

This lamp, through all the tedious night 
Of life, shall guide our way- 
Till we behold the clearer light, 
Of au eternal day. 

PRAYER. 

We praise thee, O God for a clearer revelation of thyself 
than the book of nature can give. We praise thee for the 
inspiration of Moses, and the prophets, and the evangelists, to 
portray the divine perfections ; delineate human duties ; and 
make known to a mortal race a life beyond the grave. We 
thank thee that the sacred Scriptures exhibit the early history 
of our race; proclaim the Creator of all things; reveal the 
origin of sin ; unfold a plan of recovery from its ruin ; bring 
life and immortality to light ; and illustrate their available- 
ness to man by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. 
We thank thee that they are suited in their authority as well 
as in the fulness and variety of their teachings to our specula- 
tive nature; supplying a standard of appeal, without and 
above us, to guide our inquiries ; restrain a salient fancy ; 
check presumption; and correct or corroborate all our conclu- 
sions. We thank thee for its embodiment in a few precepts 
of unparalleled simplicity and comprehensiveness ; a perfect 
and available rule of life ; for its authoritative appeal to man's 
sense of accountability ; operating like the silent force of gra- 
vity, winning upon the insubordination, resisting the lawless- 
ness of man, and reducing society to universal order, harmony 
and peace. We thank thee for its instruction in regard to the 
nature and mode of spiritual worship ; its rich types and forms 
of expression, for pious emotion ; humble confession ; adoring 
praise ; spiritual sorrow ; and rapturous joy. We thank thee 
for its ministration of comfort in the sick room ; the garret 
of poverty ; the lonely prison ; at the burning stake ; and for 
the light it pours athwart the gloom of the dying chamber ; 
and the darkness of the tomb. Enable us to prize thy word 
more than fine gold : may it be sweeter than honey as it drops 
from the comb. May we take heed to this completed and 
sure word of prophecy, and promise, as to a light shining in 
a dark place. May its successive utterances of thy voice be 
heard from every mountain top, and echoed through every 
vale of earth. Let it not return unto thee void, but accom- 
plish that for which thou hast sent it ; let it run very swiftly 
on its errands of instruction, admonition and promise. Let it 



CIVIC OCCASIONS. . 185 

not be bound or impeded in its mission to enlighten and save 
the world. May it be translated into all languages, that all 
men may read in their own tongue wherein they were born, 
the wonderful testimonies of God. May it be acknowledged 
as the only authorized rule of faith and practice. Appealed 
to as the universal standard, may it assimilate to itself the 
creed and ritual of all true christians. Let the voice of false 
teachers be no longer heard exclaiming, lo here ! and lo there ! 
But may those appointed to teach the ways of God to men, 
draw their instructions from this repository of divine know- 
ledge. May all men enjoy the right to avail themselves of 
its instructions and salvation without the mediation of priestly 
orders. May they receive its light without the refracting me- 
dia of creeds and confessions ; breathe its vital atmosphere 
uncontaminated by transmission through human organs ; and 
drink its living waters before the discoloration and distaste 
of error are imbibed from human channels. " Our Father," 
&c. 



LXXIX.— CIVIC OCCASIONS. 



Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the 
Lord's sake : whether it be to the king, as supreme : or unto 
governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the pun- 
ishment of evil-doers, and for the praise of them that do well. 
For so is the will of God, that with well-doing ye may put to 
silence the ignorance of foolish men : as free, and not using 
your liberty for a cloak of maliciousness, but as the servants 
of God. Honor all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear 
God. Honor the King. 

Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and pow- 
ers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work. 
1 Peter 2 : 13-17. Tit. 3 : 1. 

And they asked him, saying, Master, we know that thou 
sayest and teachest rightly, neither acceptest thou the person 
of any, but teachest the way of God truly ; is it lawful for us 
to give tribute unto Cesar or no ? And he said unto them, 
Render therefore unto Cesar the things which be Cesar's, and 
unto God the things which be God's. 

Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers ; for 
there is no power but of God : the powers that be are 
ordained of God. Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, 



186 BIBLE PRAYER BOOK. 

resisteth the ordinance of God : and they that resist shall 
receive to themselves damnation. For rulers are not a 
terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not 
be afraid of the power ? Do that which is good, and thou 
shalt have praise of the same. For he is the minister of God 
to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be 
afraid ; for he beareth not the sword in vain : for he is the 
minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that 
doeth evil. Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only 
for wrath, but also for conscience' sake. For, for this cause 
pay ye tribute also : for they are God's ministers, attending 
continually upon this very thing. Render therefore to all 
their dues : tribute to whom tribute is due ; custom to whom 
custom ; fear to whom fear ; honor to whom honor. 

I exhort, therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, 
intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men ; for 
kings, and for all that are in authority : that we may lead 
a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For 
this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour ; 
who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the 
knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and one 
mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus. 
Luke 20 : 21-25. Rom. 13 : 1-7. 1 Tim. 2 : 1-5. 



Blessings from his liberal hand 
Flow around this happy land : 
Kept by him no foes annoy, 
Peace and freedom we enjoy. 

Here, beneath a virtuous sway 
May we cheerfully obey, — 
Never feel oppressions rod, — 
Ever own and worship God. 

P RAYER. 

We adore thee, O Lord, as the Creator and upholder of all 
things ; as the bountiful benefactor of thy creatures, opening 
thy liberal hand to supply the wants of every living thing. 
We adore thee as the high and mighty ruler of the universe : 
King of kings, and Lord of lords. Power belongeth unto thee ; 
and by thee kings reign, and princes decree justice. Civil 
government is thine ordinance ; and the magistrate bearing 
the sword a terror to evil doers, and a praise to them that do 
well, is thy servant. We praise thee, that through civil alii- 



CIVIC OCCASIONS. 187 

ance, various aggressions of selfishness, injustice and war have 
been restrained ; life and property protected ; and agricul- 
ture, arts and education encouraged. We pray thee that hu- 
man civil government may approximate in their administra- 
tion, the impartiality, justice and beneficence of the divine 
government ; that every law enacted may be carefully framed 
upon the higher, supreme law of God. May the righteous 
government of nations be rendered easy by the individual 
self-government of the people. May truth and virtue, peace 
and justice, religion and happiness, prevail in our land, and 
throughout the world. 

We acknowledge that while a people are in a controversy 
with the supreme Governor by their vices and irreligion, no 
government can be practically good ; that without intelli- 
gence, and virtue, and religion, no people can be free ; that 
unless they govern themselves, they will be governed by 
others; that if principle and duty do not constrain them, 
armies and navies, batteries and bayonets will coerce them. O 
God we deplore the injustice and oppression of civil govern- 
ment; the ambition of kings and rulers, and their conspiracy 
against the rights of the people, and the purpose of their 
anointed and rightful sovereign. Let not the institution of 
civil government itself, lose its sanctity in the eyes of the peo- 
ple through its perversions and abuses. May they be restrain- 
ed from popular insurrections and unavailing revolutions. May 
they be delivered from false views of liberty. May they see that 
it is not a freedom from obligations, not an absence of the re- 
straints of justice and virtue. Bless all the inhabitants of our 
land, in all their ranks and conditions. May they be distin- 
guished by the individual and social virtues which exalt and 
adorn a nation. May industry be honorable, and reap ample 
rewards ; the useful arts flourish ; manufactures and com- 
merce prosper ; schools and seminaries extend the advantages 
of sound education to all classes. Bless the president of the 
United States, the chief magistrate of this commonwealth, and 
all such as are in authority. Make our senators wise, and 
our exactors righteous. May those who make, and those who 
execute law, alike feel their amenability to that law which 
is above human laws, that authority which is safer than hu- 
man authority. May true religion flourish in our land ; the 
bitterness of sectarianism be appeased, and the catholic unity 
of the christian faith be embodied and illustrated before all. 
Pour out thy spirit upon the churches of our land. May 



188 BIBLE PRAYER BOOK. 

they be as moral lights to the people. Bless ministers of the 
gospel. May they diffuse the knowledge of religion and pro- 
mote virtue and piety. " Our Father," &c. 



LXXX.— CIVIC OCCASIONS. 



Behold, I have taught you statutes and judgments, even as 
the Lord my God commanded me, that ye should do so in 
the land whither ye go to possess it. Keep therefore and do 
them; for this is your wisdom and your understanding in the 
sight of the nations, which shall hear all these statutes, and 
say, Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding peo- 
ple. Thou shalt keep therefore, his statutes and his com- 
mandments, which I command thee this day, that it may go 
well with thee, and with thy children after thee, and that thou 
mayest prolong thy days upon the earth, which the Lord thy 
God giveth thee for ever. Deut. 4 : 5, 6, 40. 

If ye walk in my statutes and keep my commandments, 
and do them ; the Lord shall open unto thee his good trea- 
sure, the heaven to give the rain unto thy land in his season, 
and to bless all the work of thine hand : and thou shalt lend 
unto many nations, and thou shalt not borrow. The Lord 
shall command the blessing upon thee in thy store-houses, and 
in all that thou settest thine hand unto : and he shall bless 
thee in the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee. Deut. 
28 : 11, 12, 8, 9. 

The Lord shall cause thine enemies that rise up against 
thee, to be smitten before thy face : they shall come out 
against thee one way, and flee before thee seven ways. And 
five of you shall chase an hundred, and an hundred of you 
shall put ten thousand to flight. And I will give peace in 
the land, and ye shall lie down, and none shall make you 
afraid. All these blessings shall come on thee and overtake 
thee, if thou shalt hearken unto the voice of the Lord thy 
God. Blessed shalt thou be in the city, and blessed shalt 
thou be in the field. Blessed shall be the fruit of thy body, 
and the fruit of thy ground, and the fruit of thy cattle, the in- 
crease of thy kine, and the flocks of thy sheep. Blessed shall 
be thy basket and thy store. Blessed shalt thou be when 
thou comest in, and blessed shalt thou be when thou goest 
out. Lev. 26 : 1, 8, 6. Deut. 28 : 3. Deut. 28 : 4, 5, 6, 
13, 10. 



CIVIC OCCASIONS. 189 

And I will set my tabernacle among you : and I will walk 
among you, and will be your God, and ye shall be my people. 
But it shall come to pass if thou wilt not hearken unto the 
voice of the Lord thy God, to observe, to do all his command- 
ments and his statutes, which I command thee this day, that 
all these curses shall come upon thee and overtake thee. 

Cursed shalt thou be in the city, and cursed shalt thou be 
in the field. Cursed shall be thy basket and thy store. 
Cursed shall be the fruit of thy body, and the fruit of thy land, 
the increase of thy kine, and the flocks of thy sheep. Cursed 
shalt thou be when thou comest in, and cursed shalt thou be 
when thou goest out. And the heaven that is over thy head 
shall be brass, and the earth that is under thee shall be iron. 
Then the Lord shall make thy plagues wonderful, and the 
plagues of thy seed even great plagues and of long continu- 
ance, and sore sickness, and of long continuance. Deut. 28 : 
15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 23, 59. 

C. M. 

Lord, while for all mankind we pray, 
Of every clime and coast, 
O hear us for our native land, — 
The land we love the most. 

O guard our shores from every foe, 
With peace our borders bless, 
With prosperous times our cities crown, 
Our field with plenteousness, 

Unite us in the sacred love 
Of knowledge, truth and thee, 
And let our hills and valleys shout 
The songs of liberty. 

PRAYER. 

Great and glorious God ! We praise and magnify thy 
name as the ruler among the armies of heaven, and the in- 
habitants of the earth. We recognize thine inscrutable wis- 
dom and infinite power in all the changes that have marked 
the history of our race. By thee kings reign and princess 
decree justice. We trace the wonders of thy hand, O God, 
in the history of our own beloved country. We rejoice that 
thou didst direct our fathers, when fleeing from oppression in 
their native land, to seek an asylum on these shores, and ena- 
ble them to lay broad and deep here the foundations of that 
fabric of civil and religious freedom, in whose shadow we are 



190 BIBLE PRAYER BOOK. 

permitted so peacefully to recline. We thank thee, for our 
rapid growth, our great prosperity, and our civil, intellectual, 
moral, and religious institutions. 

We beseech thee, O God, to continue to confer upon us 
thy favor. Wilt thou smile benignly upon our whole land. 
Wilt thou remove the stains that deface our national charac- 
ter. Bless, we entreat thee, the president of the United 
States, and all others who are called to aid in administering 
the affairs of our government. May they be just men ruling 
in thy fear. Endow with wisdom from above the governor 
of this State and all his associates in office. May we be pre- 
served from the ravages of war and pestilence. May the as- 
cerbity of party spirit and sectional jealousy be mitigated. 
And may the pure principles of morality and religion prevail 
over the wide extent of our happy union. And we pray, O 
God, that we may be permitted to hand down unimpared to 
those that shall come after us, the precious inheritance which 
has been bequeathed to us by our fathers. 

We beseech thee, God, to prepare us for the services in 
which we are now to engage, and crown them all with thine 
approval. We implore all these rich mercies in the name of 
Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 



LXXXL— INDUSTRIAL CONVENTIONS. 

How long wilt thou sleep, O sluggard ? when wilt thou 
arise out of thy sleep ? Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a 
little folding of the hands to sleep : so shall thy poverty «ome 
as one that travaileth, and thy want as an armed man. 

Love not sleep, lest thou come to poverty : open thine 
eyes, and thou shalt be satisfied with bread. The soul of the 
sluggard desireth, and hath nothing : but the soul of the dili- 
gent shall be made fat. For the drunkard and the glutton 
shall come to poverty ; and drowsiness shall clothe a man 
with rags. 

He that tilleth his land shall be satisfied with bread : but 
he that followeth vain persons is void of understanding. 

The sleep of a laboring man is sweet, whether he eat little 
or much : but the abundance of the rich will not suffer him 
to sleep. 

In the morning sow thy seed, and in the evening with- 
hold not thv hand : for thou knowest not whether shall pros- 



INDUSTRIAL CONVENTIONS. 191 

per, either this or that, or whether they both shall be alike 



Let him that stole steal no more ; but rather let him labor, 
working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may 
have to give to him that needeth. 

Study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to 
work with your own hands, as we commanded you ; that ye 
may walk honestly toward them that are without, and that 
ye may have lack of nothing. 

When we were with you, this we commanded you, that if 
any would not work, neither should he eat. For we hear 
that there are some which walk among you disorderly, work- 
ing not at all, but are busy-bodies. Now them that are such 
we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ, that with 
quietness they work, and eat their own bread. And if any 
man obey not our word by this epistle, note that man, and 
have no company with him that he may be ashamed. 

Go to the ant, thou sluggard ; consider her ways, and be 
wise: which having no guide, overseer, or ruler, provideth 
her meat in the summer, and gathereth her food in the 
harvest. 

A slothful man hideth his hand in his bosom, and will not 
so much as bring it to his mouth again. 

The sluggard will not plow by reason of the cold ; there- 
fore shall he beg in harvest, and have nothing. 

I went by the field of the slothful, and by the vineyard of 
the man void of understanding ; and, lo, it was all grown 
over with thorns, and nettles had covered the face thereof, 
and the stone-wall thereof was broken down. Then I saw, 
and considered it well ; I looked upon it, and received in- 
struction. 

By much slothful ness .the building decayeth ; and through 
idleness of the hands the house droppeth through. 

Slothfulness casteth into a deep sleep ; and an idle soul 
shall suffer hunger. Prov. 6 : 9-11. Prow. 20 : 13. Prov. 
13 : 4. Prov. 23 : 21. Prov. 12 : 11. Eccl. 5 : 12. Eccl. 
11:6. Eph. 4 : 28. 1 Thess. 4 : 11, 12. 2 Thess. 
3 : 10-14. 

L. M. 

Eternal source of every joy, 

Thy praise may well our lips employ, 

While in thy temple we appear. 

Whose goodness crowns the circling year. 



192 BIBLE PRAYER BOOK. 

The flowery spring, at thy command 
Embalms the air and paints the land ; 
The summer rays with vigor shine 
To raise the corn and cheer the vine. 

Thy hand in autumn richly pours 
Through all our coasts abundant stores ; 
And winter, softened by thy care, 
No more a dreary aspect wear. 

Still be the cheerful homage paid 
With morning light and evening shade ; 
Seasons and months, and weeks and days, 
Demand successive songs of praise. 

PRAYER. 

Great and merciful God, the earth is full of thy presence 
and blessing. Thou hast surrounded us, thy servants, with 
innumerable mercies, and crowned our labors with thy kind- 
ness. Skill and prosperity are alike thy gift. To-day thy ser- 
vants rejoice in thy continued favor. While the earth is full 
of thy works, adapted to the condition and wants of man, 
thou hast bid us to change the elements themselves and the 
varied objects in nature into the means and appliances of 
good to ourselves and our fellow-men. We thank thee for 
the surrounding evidences of improvement in the instruments 
and productions of skill, by which our condition is improved 
and our happiness increased. We thank thee for our homes 
in this beloved and favored land, which the hand of industry, 
under thy benignant providence, has changed from the forest 
to the garden of the Lord. 

Above all, we render unto thee, O Lord, our most hearty 
thanks for that gospel of thy grace, which is alone the cause 
and the crown of our prosperity. As thou hast in thy won- 
drous mercy wrought out this great mercy for our highest in- 
terests, lead all thy servants to work out their salvation with 
fear and trembling, and to ascribe all glory to the crown of 
God in Jesus Christ our Lord. While he gave himself for 
us, induce us to give unto him the faith and homage of qur 
hearts and the active service of our lives. 

Follow with thy blessing, Lord, these services and enjoy- 
ments in which we are engaged to-day. Let thy servants be 
prospered in their efforts in time to come, that in humility 
and devotion to thee they may show forth thy promise, 
through Jesus our Saviour. Amen. 

Most merciful and glorious God, thou hast formed the hea- 



INDUSTRIAL CONVENTIONS. 19$ 

vens and the earth, and the heavens praise thee, and the earth 
is full of thy goodness. Day unto day uttereth speech. Their 
line has gone out into all the earth. 

We thank thee for our being, these wondrous bodies and 
these immortal spirits. We render thanks for these intelligent 
minds, and these moral powers ; that it is our privilege and 
our blessing to honor thee, the only true God, and Jesus 
Christ whom thou hast sent. We thank thee for all the 
relations thou hast established, for our homes and families, 
for country, and friendship, and love, and for the privilege of 
becoming the sons and daughters of the Lord God Almighty, 
and joint heirs with Jesus Christ of an eternal inheritance. 

We render our thanks to thee, most merciful God, for the 
good land thou hast given to our fathers and continued to their 
children ; a land of brooks of water, of fountains, and depths 
that spring out of the valleys and hills : a land of wheat, 
and barley, and vines, and fig-trees, and pomegranates; a land 
of oil-olive and honey ; a land wherein the people eat bread 
without scarceness ; a land whose stones are iron, and out of 
whose hills men dig brass. We thank thee that thou hast 
taught us to remember the Lord our God. 

We bless the Lord for the good government under which 
we live, originating in the people, and designed for the great- 
est good of the people : and we pray that our free institutions 
may be perpetuated, and extended to all people ; that oppres- 
sion may cease in the land and in all lands, and the oppres- 
sed go free, and that the love of God and the love of man may 
control every heart. 

We render thanks for the privileges of education, that our 
children may know the rights and duties of good citizens. 
We pray that knowledge may be diffused over all the land 
and among all people, and that all means for the improve- 
ment and elevation of the human family may be prospered 
till they shall be crowned with a glorious triumph. 

Blessed be the Lord, for the gospel of our Saviour, and for 
the glorious hope of salvation by faith in the Redeemer. 
Glorify thy great name, Lord ; glorify the name and grace 
of Jesus Christ. 

Accept our gratitude, God, for thy blessing upon the 
labors of the people in all their departments, and that we are 
surrounded with these evidences of the success and prosperity 
thou hast bestowed ; that our store-houses are filled by thy 
bounty, and that plenty has been diffused over the land. 





194 BIBLE PRAYER BOOK. 

We call upon our souls to praise thy name. Praise the 
Lord from the earth, ye dragons and all deeps ; fire and hail ; 
snow and vapor ; stormy wind fulfilling his word ; mountains 
and all hills ; fruitful trees and all cedars ; beasts and all 
cattle ; creeping things and flying fowl ; kings of the earth, 
and all people \ princes and all judges of the earth ; both 
young men and maidens ; old men and children ; let them 
praise the name of the Lord : for his name alone is excellent : 
his glory is above the earth and heaven. Praise ye the Lord. 
Amen. 



LXXXH.— PUBLIC THANKSGIVING. 
See also, JVos. 10 and 15. 

Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands. Serve the 
Lord with gladness, come before his presence with singing. 
Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts 
with praise : be thankful unto him, and bless his name. For 
the Lord is good, his mercy is everlasting. Exalt ye the Lord 
our God, and worship at his foot-stool. Who laid the founda- 
tions of the earth, that it should not be removed for ever ? 
Thou coveredest it with the deep as with a garment : the wa- 
ters stood above the mountains. Thou hast set a bound that 
they may not pass over : that they turn not again to cover 
the earth. 

He appointed the moon for seasons : the sun knoweth his 
going down. He giveth snow like wool : he scattereth the 
hoar frost like ashes. He casteth forth his ice like morsels ; 
who can stand before his cold ? He sendeth out his word, 
and melteth them : he causeth his wind to blow, and the wa- 
ters flow. 

He sendeth the springs into the valleys which run among 
the hills. They give drink to every beast of the field : the 
wild asses quench their thirst. By them shall the fowls of the 
heaven have their habitation, which sing among the branches. 
He watereth the hills from his chambers : the earth is satisfied 
with the fruits of thy works. He causeth the grass to grow 
for the cattle, and the herb for the service of man, that he 
may bring forth fruit out of the earth : and wine that maketh 
glad the heart of man, and oil to make his face to shine : and 
bread which strengtheneth man's heart. 



PUBLIC THANKSGIVING. 195 

The eyes of all wait upon thee and thou givest them their 
meat in due season. Thou openest thine hand and satisfiest 
the desires of every living thing. 

A father of the fatherless, and a judge of the widows, is God 
in his holy habitation. He raiseth up the poor out of the 
dust, and lifteth the needy out of the dung hill : that he may 
set him with princes, even with the princes of his people. 
The Lord upholdeth all that fall, and raiseth up all those that 
be bowed down. 

Every good and every perfect gift is from above, and com- 
eth down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variable- 
ness, neither shadow of turning. 

O that men would praise the Lord for his goodness and his 
wonderful works to the children of men. Let them exalt him 
in the congregation of the people and praise him in the as- 
sembly of the elders. O give thanks unto the Lord, for he 
is good : for his mercy endureth for ever. Let the redeemed 
of the Lord say so : whom he hath redeemed from the hand 
of the enemy. And let them sacrifice the sacrifices of thanks- 
giving : and declare his works with rejoicing. Bless the 
Lord, O house of Israel ; bless the Lord, O house of Aaron ; 
bless the Lord, O house of Levi ; ye that fear the Lord, bless 
the Lord. Blessed be the Lord out of Zion. Praise ye the 
Lord. 

What shall I render unto the Lord for all his benefits to- 
ward me ? I will take the cup of salvation and call upon 
the name of the Lord. I will offer to thee the sacrifice of 
thanksgiving, and will call upon the name of the Lord. I 
will pay my vows unto the Lord, now, in the presence of all 
his people, in the courts of the Lord's house, in the midst of 
thee, O Jerusalem ! Praise ye the Lord. 
6. Ps. 99 : 5. Ps. 104 : 5, 6, 9, 19. 
18. Ps. 104 : 10. Ps. 145 : 15, 16. 
113 : V, 8. Ps. 145 : 14. James 1 : IV. 
Ps. 107 : 1, 2, 22. Ps. 135 : 19, 20, 21. 
17, 18, 19. 

See also, Nek. 8 : 8-18. 2 Sam. 22 : 1-50. 1 Chron. 16 : 28-31. Ps. 107 : 8. 
150. 

L. M. 

Join every tongue to praise the Lord; 
All nature rests upon his word ; 
Mercy and truth his courts maintain, 
And own his universal reign. 



Ps. 


100 


: 1, 2, 5, 


Ps. 


147 


: 16, 17, 


Ps. 


68 : 


5. Ps. 


Ps. 


107 


: 31,32. 


Ps. 


116 


: 12, 13, 



196 BIBLE PRAYER BOOK. 

Seasons and times obey his voice ; 

The evening and the morn rejoice. 

To see the earth made soft with showers, 

Enriched with fruit, and dressed in flowers. 

Thy works pronounce thy power divine ; 
In all the earth thy glories shine; 
Through every month thy gifts appear; 
Great God, thy goodness crowns the year. 

PRAYER. 

God, thou art very great, thou art clothed with honor 
and majesty ; thou coverest thyself with light as with a gar- 
ment ; thou walkest upon the wings of the wind. When we 
reflect on the glory of thy majesty, we are filled with wonder 
at the vastness of thy condescension. For thou condescend- 
est even to behold things that are in heaven. What then is 
man that thou art mindful of him, or the son of man that 
thou visitest him ! 

We rejoice that we are under the government of a being, 
who is not only almighty, but perfectly righteous, and wise, 
and good ; that all things in our world are appointed and 
arranged by thy paternal agency ; that thy providence num- 
bers the very hairs of our head, and that a sparrow falleth 
not to the ground without our heavenly Father. 

Hitherto hath the Lord helped us. We bless thee for per- 
sonal mercies. If we are called, it is by thy word. If we are 
renewed, it is by thy spirit. If we are justified, it is freely by 
thy grace, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus. It 
is in thee we live and move and have our being. Thy good- 
ness has been always near us, to hear our complaints, to soothe 
our sorrow, and to command deliverance for us. And num- 
berless are the instances of loving kindness that now, from 
ignorance or inattention, elude our notice ; the discovery of 
which will awaken our songs, when we mingle with those 
who dwell in thy house above and are still praising thee. 

We thank thee for relative benefits ; for blessings on our 
families, blessings on our churches, and blessings on our coun- 
try., We confess that we are not worthy of the least of all 
thy mercies, and of all the truth which thou hast showed unto 
thy servants. Sins of every kind and of every degree have 
reigned among us ; have spread through all ranks and orders ; 
and continued notwithstanding all warnings and corrections; 
and if thou hadst dealt with us after our sins, or rewarded us 



PUBLIC THANKSGIVING. 197 

according to our iniquities, we should long ago have had no 
name nor place among the nations of the globe. 

But to the Lord our God belong mercies and forgiveness, 
though we have rebelled against him. All thy dispensations 
towards us have said, with a tenderness that ought to pene- 
trate our hearts, How shall I give thee up ! Our privileges, 
never properly improved, and forfeited times without number, 
have been continued. We still behold our sabbaths, and our 
ears still hear the joyful sound. Our constitution, liberties 
and laws, have not been subverted or impaired. Thou hast 
given us rains and fruitful seasons ; thou hast filled us with 
the finest of the wheat ; our garners have been affording all 
manner of store ; our oxen have been strong to labor ; our 
sheep have brought forth thousands and ten thousands in our 
streets. Thou hast spread thy wing, and sheltered us from 
the pestilence that walketh in darkness, and the destruction 
that wasteth at noon day. Civil discord has not raged in our 
land ; our shores have not been invaded ; we have not heard 
the confused noise of warriors, nor seen garments rolled in 
blood — it has not come nigh us. Our enemies have often 
threatened to swallow us up, but the Lord has been on our 
side, and they have not prevailed against us. We are this 
day called upon to acknowledge thy goodness in (here let the 
particular causes for thankfulness be expressed.) 

God is the Lord who hath showed us light ; bind the sacri- 
fice with cords, even to the horns of the altar. May we never 
convert our blessings into instruments of provocation, by 
making them the means of nourishing pride and presumption, 
wantonness and intemperance ; and compel thee to complain, 
Do ye thus requite the Lord, foolish people, and unwise ? 
is not he thy father that hath bought thee ? Hath he not 
made thee and established thee? 

For this purpose meet with us in thy house ; and may the 
goings of our God and our King be seen in the sanctuary. 
Be with the preacher and with the hearers ; and let the words 
of his mouth, and the meditation of their hearts, be acceptable 
in thy sight, Lord, our strength and our Redeemer. May 
public instruction awaken the ardor of our feelings. May 
our gratitude not only be lively, but practical and permanent. 
And by all thy mercies may we present our bodies a living 
sacrifice, holy and acceptable unto thee, which is our reason- 
able service. 

Bless the Lord, ye his angels, that excel in strength that 



198 BIBLE PRAYER BOOK. 

do his commandments, hearkening unto the voice of his word. 
Bless ye the Lord, all ye his hosts ; ye ministers of his that 
do his pleasure. Bless the Lord, all his works, in all places 
of his dominion : bless the Lord, my soul. Amen. 



LXXXIIL— PUBLIC FAST. 
See also, No. 41, 42. 



Then I (Ezra,) proclaimed a fast there, at the river Ahava, 
that we might afflict ourselves before our God, to seek of him 
a right way for us, and for our little ones, and for all our 
substance, because we had spoken unto the king, saying, The 
hand of our God is upon all them for good, that seek him but 
his power and his wrath is against all them that forsake him. 
So we fasted and besought our God for this, and he was en- 
treated of us. 

So the people of Nineveh believed God, and proclaimed a 
fast, and put on sackcloth from the greatest of them even to 
the least of them. For word came unto the king of Nineveh, 
and he arose from his throne, and he laid his robe from him 
and covered him with sackcloth, and sat in ashes. 

And he caused it to be proclaimed and published through 
Nineveh, by the decree of the king and his nobles, saying, 
Let neither man nor beast, herd nor flock, taste any thing ; 
let them not feed, nor drink water. But let man and beast 
be covered with sackcloth, and cry mightily unto God : yea, 
let them turn every one from his evil way, and from the vio- 
lence that is in their hands. Who can tell if God will turn 
and repent, and turn away from his fierce anger, that we 
perish not ? 

And God saw their works, that they turned from their evil 
way, and God repented of the evil that he had said, that he 
would do unto them, and he did it not. 

Therefore, also now, saith the Lord, turn ye even to me, 
with all your heart and with fasting, and with weeping, and 
with mourning. And rend your heart and not your gar- 
ments ; and turn unto the Lord your God : for he is gracious 
and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repent- 
eth him of the evil. Who knoweth if he will return and 
repent, and leave a blessing behind him, even a meat offering 
and a drink offering, unto the Lord your God ? 

Blow the trumpet in Zion, sanctify a fast, call a solemn 






PUBLIC FAST. 199 

assembly. Gather the people : sanctify the congregation : 
assemble the elders: gather the children, and those that 
suck the breasts : let the bridegroom go forth of his chamber, 
and the bride out of her closet. Let the priests, the ministers 
of the Lord, weep between the porch and the altar, and let 
them say, Spare thy people O Lord, and give not thine heri- 
tage to reproach. Ezra 8:21, 22, 23. Jonah 3 : 5-8. 
Jonah 3 : 9, 10. Joel 2 : 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17. 

See also. Dan. 9 : 14. 8 : 1-13. 9 : 14-19. Isa. 58 : 3-6. Matt. 6 : 16-18. 
Jer. 8 : 6. 

C. M. 

Lord, look on all assembled here, 
Who in thy presence stand 
To offer up united prayer 
For this our sinful land. 

O, may we all, with one consent, 
Fall low before thy throne, 
With tears the nation's sins lament, 
The church's and our own. 

And should the dread decree be passed, 
That we must feel the rod, — 
Let faith and patience hold us fast 
To our correcting G-od. 

p RAYER. 

Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord of hosts, the whole earth is 
full of thy glory. O for such an impression of thy holiness 
as Isaiah had, when, penetrated with a sense of his own sin, 
and the sin of the nation, he exclaimed, Wo is me, for I am 
a man of unclean lips, and I dwell among a people of un- 
clean lips. Banish all insensibility and indifference from our 
minds, and unite our hearts to fear thy name. 

We lament that the world in which we live, formed to 
show forth thy praise, was so early defiled by sin ; that all 
flesh corrupted its way before God, and every imagination of 
the thoughts of the heart was only evil continually. We 
adore thy awful but righteous displeasure, in bringing the 
flood upon the world of the ungodly and taking them all 
away. 

Yet even this tremendous desolation did not hinder the 
renewed human race from rebelling against thee ; and a long 
succession of private and public calamities proclaims the 
desperate depravity of our nature, and the evil of sin. Our 
world is the empire of death, a vale of tears ; and tempests 



200 BIBLE PRAYER BOOK. 

and earthquakes, and war, and pestilence, and famine, scatter 
the tokens of thy wrath, for thoti distributest sorrows in thine 
anger. 

Thy judgments are now abroad in the earth — may the 
inhabitants thereof learn righteousness. They have reached 
and invaded us — may we lay them to heart, and be suitably 
impressed with the afflicting circumstances of the country to 
which we belong. 

We have been equally distinguished by privileges and 
guilt ; and it is impossible for us to review the one, without 
being reminded of the other. An innumerable number of 
natural, providential, and religious benefits, have distinguished 
our portion. The lines have fallen to us in pleasant places, 
yea, we have a goodly heritage. At an early period the gos- 
pel visited our shores, and has continued in the midst of us to 
this hour. We have lived under the administration of laws, 
just, mild, and beneficent. We have enjoyed civil and religi- 
ous freedom. The scriptures have not been withholden from 
us, nor have our teachers been removed into a corner — but 
our eyes have been our teachers ; and sitting under our own 
vine and fig-tree, none has dared to make us afraid. In our 
dangers thou hast appointed salvation for walls and bulwarks; 
the earth has yielded to us her increase, and God, even our 
own God, has blessed us. 

It is impossible for us to express or conceive the obliga- 
tions we are under to love and serve thee. 

But we know — and O help us to feel — how unworthily 
and ungratefully we have behaved ourselves towards our 
adorable benefactor. We are a sinful nation, a seed of evil 
doers, children that are corrupters. The whole head is sick, 
and the whole heart is faint ; from the crown of the head 
even to the sole of the foot, there is no soundness, but wounds 
and bruises and putrefying sores. O Lord, righteousness 
belongeth unto thee, but unto us confusion of faces, as at this 
day, to our rulers. 

But thou art the Almighty. Thou hast all hearts in thy 
hand, and all events at thy disposal. 

And we have heard that to the Lord our God belong mer- 
cies and forgiveness, though we have rebelled against him. 
We are proofs ourselves that thy compassions fail not — hence, 
though corrected, we are not consumed ; and though guilty, 
we are yet allowed and invited to enter thy presence. 

With deep humiliation, not unmingled with hope, may we 



PEACE MEETINGS. 201 

approach the throne of thy grace, at this time of need. O 
be merciful unto us and bless us, and cause thy face to shine 
upon us that we may be saved. For the sake of thy dear 
Son, who died the just for the unjust, by whose name we are 
called — behold a country prostrate at thy foot-stool ; and hear 
the voice which will issue to-day from so many temples and 
closets, saying, Spare thy people, O Lord, and give not thine 
heritage to reproach. 

Remove, if it please thee, the blow of thy heavy hand, in 
the calamity which we are deploring ; and after giving us 
such a deliverance as this, may we no more break thy com- 
mandments. Or if thou hast determined to continue the 
correction, correct us, but with judgment, not in thine 
anger, lest, thou bring us to nothing. " Our Father,"' &c. 



LXXXIV.— PEACE MEETINGS. 



Seek the peace of the city, whither I have caused you to be 
carried away captives, and pray unto the Lord for it : for in 
the peace thereof shall ye have peace. 

Whence come wars and fightings among you ? come they 
not hence, even of your lusts that war in your members ? 

Thus saith the Lord God, Because Edom hath dealt against 
the house of Judah by taking vengeance, and hath greatly 
offended, and revenged himself upon them ; therefore, thus 
saith the Lord God, I will also stretch out mine hand upon 
Edom, and will cut off man and beast from it, and they shall 
know my vengeance saith the Lord God. 

Thus saith the Lord God, Because the Philistines have 
dealt by revenge, and have taken vengeance with a despiteful 
heart, to destroy it for the old hatred : therefore, thus saith 
the Lord God, Behold I will stretch out my hand upon the 
Philistines, and I will cut off the Cherethims, and destroy the 
remnant of the sea coast. And I will execute great vengeance 
upon them with furious rebukes. 

Woe to him that buildeth a town with blood, and establish- 
ed a city by iniquity. 

It shall come to pass in the last days, that the mountain of 
the Lord's house shall be established in the top of the moun- 
tains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations 
shall flow unto it. And many people shall go and say ; Come 
ye and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house 

9* 



202 BIBLE PRAYER BOOK. 

of the God of Jacob, and he will teach us of his ways, and 
we will walk in his paths: for out of Zion shall go forth the 
law, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem. And he shall 
judge among the nations, and shall rebuke many people : 
and they shall beat their swords into ploughshares, and their 
spears into pruning-hooks : nation shall not lift up sword 
against nation, neither shall they learn war any more. 

In that day will I make covenant for them with the beasts 
of the field, and with the fowls of heaven, and with the creep- 
ing things of the ground : and I will break the bow and the 
sword, and the battle out of the earth, and will make them to 
lie down safely. 

He maketh wars to cease unto the end of the earth : he 
breaketh the bow, and cutteth the spear in sunder, he burneth 
the chariot in the fire. He shall judge thy people with right- 
eousness, and thy poor with judgments. The mountains shall 
bring peace to the people, and the little hills by righteousness. 
In his days shall the righteous flourish : and abundance of 
peace so long as the moon endureth. Jer. 29 : 7. James 
4:1. Ezek. 25 : 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17. Isaiah 2 : 2, 3, 4. 
Hosea 2 : 18. Ps. 46 : 9. Ps. 72 : 2, 3, 7. 

See also, Matt. 5 : 38-45. Zech. 9 : 9. 10. Eze. 35 : 1-9. 

L. M. 

Poor are the triumphs war has won, 
Its countless evils who can sse? 
Immortal beings! deathless souls! 
Resolved on death or victory. 

And many find a speedy death, 
And many reach that dark abode, 
With all their sins upon their heads, 
And hearts at enmity with God! 

And now the smoking hamlet view, 
The peaceful village wrapt in fire, 
And fields of grain like stubble blaze, 
And honest labor's hopes expire. 

When war prevails, sins o'er the land 
Rush like a desolating tide ; 
God is contemn'd, his worship scorned, 
And wholesome human law defied. 

PRAYER. 

thou that stillest the noise of the seas, the noise of their 
waves, and the tumult of the people, we bless thee that thou 
hast made peace in our borders, called us to adore thee as the 



TEMPERANCE MEETING. 203 

repairer of the breach, the restorer of paths to dwell in. "We 
lament the evils of war, both natural and moral ; and confess, 
with shame, that ever since man became an apostate from 
thee, he has been an enemy to his brother, and that from the 
death of Abel our earth has been a field of blood. O let thy 
word be speedily accomplished. Let the nations learn war 
no more, but beat their swords into ploughshares, and their 
spears into pruning-hooks, and only emulate each other in 
husbandry, and commerce, and science, and religion. thou 
prince of peace, preside in every counsel. May all public 
teachers recommend peace. In private life may we follow 
peace with all men ; and cherish the principles and the dispo- 
sitions which will prepare us for that world where we shall 
enter into peace, and the sound of war will be heard no more. 
" Our Father," &c. 



LXXXV.— TEMPERANCE MEETING. 

Come ye, say they, I will fetch wine, and we will fill our- 
selves with strong drink. 

Belshazzar the king made a great feast to a thousand of 
his lords, and drank wine before the thousand. They drank 
wine and praised the gods of gold, and of silver. 

They have erred through wine, and through strong drink 
are out of the way ; the priest and the prophet have erred 
through strong drink, they are swallowed up of wine, they 
are out of the way through strong drink ; they err in vision, 
they stumble in judgment. For all tables are full of vomit 
and filthiness, so that there is no place clean. 

The drunkard and the glutton shall come to poverty. 
Who hath woe ? who hath sorrow ? who hath contentions ? 
who hath babbling ? who hath wounds without cause ? who 
hath redness of eyes ? They that tarry long at the wine ; 
they that go to seek mixed wine. Yea, thou shalt be as he 
that lieth down in the midst of the sea ; or as he that lieth 
upon the top of a mast. They have stricken me shalt thou 
say, and I was not sick ; they have beaten me and I felt it 
not : when shall I awake ? I will seek it yet again. 

Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging : and whosoever 
is deceived thereby is not wise. 

It is not for kings, Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink 



204 BIBLE PRAYER BOOK. 

wine ; nor for princes strong drink ; lest they drink, and for- 
get the law, and pervert the judgment of any of the afflicted. 

Be not among wine bibbers ; among riotous eaters of flesh : 
look not thou upon the wine when it is red, when it giveth 
his color in the cup, when it moveth itself aright. At the 
last, it biteth like a serpent and stingeth like an adder. 

Wo unto them that rise up early in the morning, that 
they may follow strong drink ; that continue until night, till 
wine inflame them. And the harp, and the viol, the tabret, 
and pipe, and wine, are in their feasts : but they regard not 
the work of the Lord, neither consider the operation of his 
hands. 

Wo unto them that are mighty to drink wine, and men of 
strength to mingle strong drink. 

Wo to the crown of pride, to the drunkards of Ephraim, 
whose glorious beauty is a fading flower, which are on the 
head of the fat valle} T s of them that are overcome with wine. 

Let us walk honestly, as in the day ; not in rioting and 
drunkenness. And be not drunk with wine, wherein is 
excess. 

Now the works of the flesh are manifest, drunkenness, 
revelings and such like : of the which I tell you before, as I 
have also told you in time past, that they which do such 
things, shall not inherit the kingdom of God. Prov. 20 : 21. 
31 : 4, 5. 23 : 20-32. Isa. 5 : 11-22. 28 : 1. Bom. 
18 : 13. Eph. 5 : 18. Gal. 5 : 19-21. 

C. Mr 

inebriate stop thy hand, 
Why such a course pursue, 
Against thy maker's great command, 
Why thus thyself undo ? 

Why sacrifice thy useful frame, 
Thy childreu, friends, and wealth ? 
Why to derision give thy name, 
And why destroy thy health? 

And why destroy those feelings warm 
Which man for man should hold ? 
Why almost change thy noble form 
To his who grazed of old ? 

And why destroy thy much loved wife, 
To whom thy vows were given, 
To cherish her throughout thy life, 
Those vows were writ in heaven. 



TEMPERANCE MEETING. 205 



PRAYER. 



Almighty God, our heavenly father : we adore thee as the 
author of the manifold blessings which crown our lot; and 
we thank thee that thou hast not left us in ignorance of the 
methods by which these blessings may be secured — the cul- 
tivation of purity, sobriety, and true piety. We rejoice, O 
God, that thou hast also hedged us in with warnings and 
threatenings to deter us from the paths of vice, and with 
invitations and promises to allure us to the ways of virtue. 
We beseech thee that each one of us may shun the paths of 
sin, and walk in the way of thy commandments. 

We thank thee, O God, for the privilege we enjoy of 
assembling on this occasion. But what do we here without 
the divine presence ? O, may we find fulfilled to us the pre- 
cious promise- of the blessed Saviour, " Where two or three 
are gathered together in my name there am I in the midst of 
them." We have met, O God, to invoke thine aid in exter- 
minating that terrible scourge which is destroying so ■many- 
hearts and homes — intemperance. Wilt thou strengthen our 
weakness, wilt thou enlighten our ignorance, wilt thou give 
us the meekness and gentleness which were in Christ Jesus, 
that our efforts rightly directed and prosecuted may be crown- 
ed with glorious success. 

We entreat thee, God, that thou wilt aid us to suppress 
the traffic in ardent spirits. A mighty current of liquid fire 
is setting forcibly against us. Its towering wave is felt, and 
its angry roar is heard from every direction. No power but 
thine, almighty father, can stop its flow or settle its surface. 
O, that the same irresistible power that drove back the flood, 
and dried up the sea, may impart its gracious interposition, 
or it will deluge the world. 

Wilt thou avert the poor inebriate, O God, in his career of 
guilt and shame. May he realize the full force of the truth 
that no drunkard can inherit the kingdom of Heaven ; that 
between him and happiness a great gulf is fixed ; and that 
the price of his adherence to his ungodly habit and vicious 
propensity must be that of exclusion from the " presence of 
the Lord and the glory of his power ;" and, O that he may 
be brought back to his family and to society clothed and in 
his right mind. And we pray thee, compassionate father, 
that peace and prosperity and joy may once more smile upon 
households that are now shrouded in wretchedness and woe. 



206 BIBLE PRAYER BOOK. 

Wilt thou attend with thy favor, O God, all the efforts 
that are put forth in this noble cause — the emancipation of 
our race from the thraldom of intemperance. And may the 
time soon arrive when the blessings of temperance and reli- 
gion shall be commensurate with the ruins of the fall. We 
ask these great and inestimable favors in the name of Jesus 
Christ the righteous, and to him with the Father and the 
Holy Spirit shall be ascribed endless praises. Amen. 



LXXXVL— MEETING IN BEHALF OF THE JEWS. 

The children of Israel shall abide many days without a 
king, and without a prince, and without a sacrifice, and with- 
out an image, and without an ephod, and without a teraphim. 
Afterward shall the children of Israel return,, and seek the 
Lord their God, and David their king, and shall fear the Lord 
and his goodness in the latter days. Hosea 3 : 4, 5. 

Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, that I will make a 
new covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of 
Judah. Not according to the covenant that I made with 
their fathers in the day that I took them by the hand, to 
bring them out of the land of Egypt, which my covenant 
they brake, although I was a husband unto them, saith the 
Lord. But this shall be the covenant that I will make with 
the house of Israel, After those days, saith the Lord, I will 
put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts, 
and will be their God, and they shall be my people. And 
they shall teach no more every man his neighbour, and every 
man his brother, saying, Know the Lord : for they shall all 
know me, from the least of them unto the greatest of them, 
saith the Lord : for I will forgive their iniquity, and I will 
remember their sin no more. And I will bring them out 
from the people, and gather them from the countries, and will 
bring them to their own land, and feed them upon the moun- 
tains of Israel, by the rivers, and in all the inhabited places 
of the country. And I will set up one shepherd over them, 
and he shall feed them, even my servant David ; he shall feed 
'them, and he shall be their shepherd. And I, the Lord, will 
be their God, and my servant David a prince among them, I, 
the Lord, have spoken it. And they shall no more be a prey 
to the heathen, neither shall the beasts of the land devour 
them ; but they shall dwell safely, and none shall make them 



MEETING IN BEHALF OF THE JEWS. 207 

afraid. And I will raise up for them a plant of renown, and 
they shall be no more consumed with hunger in the land, 
neither bear the shame of the heathen any more. Jer. 31 : 
31, 32, 33, 34. Ezek. 34 : 13, 23, 24, 28, 29. 

Unto this day, when Moses is read, the vail is upon their 
heart. Nevertheless, when it shall turn to the Lord, the vail 
shall be taken away. 2 Cor. 3 : 15, 16. 

If the casting away of them be the reconciling of the world : 
what shall the receiving of them be but life from the dead ? 
For if the first fruit be holy, the lump is also holy : and if the 
root be holy, so are the branches. For if thou wert cut out 
of the olive tree which is wild by nature, and wert grafted 
contrary to nature into a good olive tree : how much more 
shall these which be the natural branches, be graffed into 
their own olive tree ? For I would not, brethren, that ye 
should be ignorant of this mystery, (lest ye should be wise in 
your own conceits) that blindness in part is happened to Is- 
rael, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in. And so all 
Israel shall be saved, as it is written, There shall come out of 
Zion the deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Ja- 
cob. For this is my covenant unto them, when I shall take 
away their sins. Rom. 11 : 15, 16. Rom. 11 : 24, 25, 26, 
27. 

See also, Isa. 11 : 11-16. Eze. 36 : 33--36. Eze. 20 : 40--44. Zech. 12 : 10. 

S. M. 
Lord, send thy servants forth, 
To call the Hebrews home ; 
From east and west, from south and north, 
Let all the wanderers come. 

Where'er in lands unknown, 
The fugitives remain, 
Bid every creature help them on, 
Thy holy mount to gain. 

With Israel's myriads sealed, 
Let all the nations meet, 
And show the promises fulfilled, 
Thy family complete. 

PRAYER. 

We adore thee as the God of Abraham, of Isaac and of Ja- 
cob, and of all the prophets. Thou didst make known thy 
ways to Moses, and thine acts to the children of Israel. By 
a series of signal miracles thou didst deliver them from bond- 
age, lead them through the sea and the wilderness, give them 



208 BIBLE PRAYER BOOK. 

bread and water in the desert, and the law from Sinai, and 
didst finally bring them into possession of the land promised 
to Abraham as the inheritance of his seed. But, Lord, thy 
chosen people requited thy mercies by ingratitude and rebel- 
lion. They sought to return to Egypt ; they made an idol ; 
they chode with Moses ; and after being brought into the 
land of promise, refused to hear the prophets often sent unto 
them. And to crown their wickedness, they rejected the 
Messiah and crucified the Saviour of the world, and in their 
blindness imprecated upon themselves and their children the 
retribution of heaven. Lord, how long shall they abide 
without a king and without a prince, and without a sacrifice, 
and without an image, and without an ephod, and without 
teraphim ? How long shall they remain scattered and peel- 
ed, a proverb and a by-word among the nations ? How long 
shall the vail rest upon their eyes in reading Moses and the 
prophets, so that they cannot discern their spiritual meaning 
and comprehension, and their exact fulfilment in the advent, 
ministry and death of Christ, and in the nature and triumphs 
of his kingdom ? We bless thee that this blindness which 
has happened to Israel shall not remain. When the fulness 
of the Gentiles has come in, all Israel shall also be saved. If 
their unbelief became the immediate occasion of preaching 
the gospel more widely to the Gentiles, how much shall their 
conversion and ministry to the gospel hasten its universal tri- 
umph ? O may their residence in all lands ; their knowledge 
of almost all languages ; their indomitable perseverance ; and 
their boundless wealth, be speedily made available to the dif- 
fusion of the scriptures and of Christianity throughout the 
world. May the unjust prejudices of the Gentiles against 
them cease, and may they emulate each other in putting forth 
efforts to reclaim from their unbelief, those to whom they are 
so much indebted, and whom God has so signally honored. 
" Our Father," &c. 



LXXXVIL— MEETING IN BEHALF OF SEAMEN. 

O Lord, our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the 
earth. Thou, even thou, art Lord alone, thou hast made 
heaven, the heaven of heavens, with all their host, the earth, 
and all things that are therein, the seas and all that is there- 
in, and thou preservest them all. Neh. 9 : 6, 



MEETING IN BEHALF OF SEAMEN. 209 

He strengthened the fountains of the deep. He gave to 
the sea his decree, that the water should not pass his com- 
mandment. Hast thou entered the springs of the sea ? or 
hast thou walked in the search of the depths ? Behold, he 
spreadeth his light upon it, and covereth the bottom of the 
sea. He gathereth the waters of the sea together as a heap : 
he layeth up the depth in storehouses. Prov. 8 : 28, 29. 
Job 38 : 16. Job 36 : 30. 

Thou rulest the raging of the sea : when the waves there- 
of arise, thou stillest them. The floods have lifted up, O Lord, 
the floods have lifted up their voice : the floods lift up their 
waves. The Lord on high is mightier than the noise of many- 
waters, yea than the mighty waves of the sea. Ps. 33:7. 
Ps. 89 : 9. Ps. 93 : 3, 4. 

The waters saw thee, O God, the waters saw thee ; the} T 
were afraid ; the depths also were troubled. The clouds 
poured out water, the skies sent out a sound : thine arrows 
also went abroad. The voice of thy thunder was in the hea- 
ven : the lightnings lightened the world, the earth trembled 
and shook. Thy way is in the sea, and thy path in the great 
waters. Ps. 11 : 16, 17, 18, 19. 

O Lord, how manifold are thy works ! in wisdom hast thou 
made them all : the earth is full of thy riches. So is this 
great and wide sea, wherein are things creeping innumerable, 
both small and great beasts. There go the ships : there is 
that leviathan whom thou hast made to play therein. These 
wait all upon thee : that thou mayest give them their meat 
in due season. That thou givest them, they gather : thou 
openest thine hand, they are filled with good. Ps. 104 : 24-28. 

They that go down to the sea in ships, that do business in 
great waters : these see the works of the Lord, and his won- 
ders in the deep. For he commandeth and raiseth the stormy 
wind, which lifteth up the waves thereof. They mount 
up to the heaven : they go down again to the depths : their 
soul is melted because of trouble. They reel to and fro, and 
stagger like a drunken man ; and are at their wits end. 

Then they cry unto the Lord in their trouble, and ho 
bringeth them out of their distresses. He maketh the storm 
a calm : so that the waves thereof are still. Then are they 
glad, because they be quiet : so he bringeth them unto their 
desired haven. Oh that men would praise the Lord for his 
goodness ; and for his wonderful works to the children of men. 
Ps. 107 : 23-31. 



210 BIBLE PRAYER BOOK. 

Surely the isles shall wait for me, and the ships of Tarshish 
first, to bring thy sons from far, their silver and their gold 
with them, unto the name of the Lord thy God, and to the 
Holv One of Israel, because he hath glorified thee. Isaiah 
60 : 9. 

Lift up thine eyes round about, and see : all they gather 
themselves together : the abundance of the sea shall be con- 
verted unto thee. They shall lift up their voice, they shall 
sing, for the majesty of the Lord, they shall cry aloud from 
the sea. 

Sing unto the Lord a new song, and his praises from the 
end of the earth : ye that go down to the sea, and all that is 
therein ; the isles, and the inhabitants thereof. Isaiah 60 : 4, 
5. Isaiah 24 : 14. Isaiah 42 : 10. 

And the sea gave up the dead which were in it : and death 
and hell delivered up the dead, which were in them : and 
they were judged every man according to their works. Rev. 
20 : 13. 

The Lord said I will bring my people again from the 
depths of the sea. Ps. 68 : 22. 

10's- 
Thine the great ocean, fathomless and wide, 
Through whose far depths uncounted myriads glide ; 
Thine its tumultuous heave, its placid rest, 
And Thine the sleepers in its cold, dark breast. 

Its solemn anthems have no theme but Thee, 
Lord of the stars and earth and rolling sea ! 
And in the wildest storm that o'er it plays 
Thy voice alone it hears — Thy arm obeys. 

PRAYER. 

Our Father who art in heaven ; great art thou, and great- 
ly to be praised. Thou art the creator of the earth and all 
things therein ; thou hast founded the world and it abideth ; 
thou hast weighed the mountains in scales and the hills in a 
balance : the nations are as the drop of a bucket in thy 
sight ; and thou hast measured the sea in the hollow of thy 
hand. While we confess that thy greatness is unsearchable, 
may we remember that thy presence is all pervading. From 
it we cannot escape, nor can we prevent thy observation. If 
we ascend to heaven thou art there ; if we make our bed in 
hell thou art there ; and as we pursue our track across the 
pathless deep thou art here. Thy presence is with us by day 






MEETING IN BEHALF OF SEAMEN. 211 

and by night ; in the stillness of the calm and in the violence 
of the tempest. Shut out as we ave from the world of man- 
kind, away alike from the social blessings and common temp- 
tations of our race ; tossed on an element the most fickle, and 
unstable ; we are powerfully reminded that thou art every- 
where present by the wonders of thy hand which we behold. 
We confess God, that we who do business in great waters 
see thy wonders in the deep : raising up the stormy wind 
which lifteth up the waves thereof. Often have our souls 
been melted because of trouble, till thou didst rebuke the 
winds and the sea, and didst not permit the danger to over- 
whelm us. With gratitude would we record thy past mer- 
cies; and while we feel how peculiarly liable we are to be 
removed suddenly to an eternal world, we beseech thee for 
that grace which will make the voyage of life itself successful. 
Let our frail bark weather the storms of trial, and escape the 
sunken rocks of perdition, aud through the mercy of a cruci- 
fied Redeemer, through whom alone we can have access to 
thy mercy-seat, grant that we may at length drop the anchor 
in the heavenly port, and glorify the captain of our salvation 
throughout everlasting ages. 

And to this end we pray that we may be diligent in work- 
ing out our salvation with fear and trembling ; that we may 
be careful to maintain good works ; that we may walk before 
thee in uprightness of heart ; that we may mortify our world- 
ly desires and affections ; that we may watch and pray that 
we enter not into temptation ; that thy law may be embodied 
in our lives, and thy love shed abroad in our hearts ; thus 
may we live, knowing God and being known of him, till 
having been found faithful unto death, it is our happy privi- 
lege through grace divine to receive a crown of life. Remem- 
ber in mercy our absent relations and friends. Bless all who 
like ourselves are floating on the bosom of the waters. Let 
the abundance of the seas be converted unto thee ; and in the 
extension of thy truth, and in the spread of the kingdom of 
our common Saviour, let the forces of the Gentiles come unto 
thee, till Jesus shall reign from sea to sea, and from the river 
to the ends of the earth. " Our Father," &c. 



212 BIBLE PRAYER BOOK. 

LXXXYIIL— EDUCATIONAL MEETING. 

Doth not wisdom cry ? 

And understanding put forth her voice ? 

She standeth in the top of high places, 

By the way in the places of the paths. 

She crieth at the gates, 

At the entry of the city, 

At the coming in at the doors. 

Unto you, O men, I call ; 

And my voice is to the sons of man. 

ye simple, understand wisdom : 

And, ye fools, be ye of an understanding heart. 

Hear ; for I will speak of excellent things ; 

And the opening of my lips shall be right things. 

For my mouth shall speak truth-; 

And wickedness is an abomination to my lips. 

Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, 

And the man that getteth understanding. 

For the merchandise of it is better than fhe merchandise of 

silver, 
And the gain thereof than fine gold. 
She is more precious than rubies : 
And all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared 

unto her. 
Length of days is in her right hand ; 
And in her left hand riches and honor. 
Her ways are ways of pleasantness, 
And all her paths are peace. 

She is a tree of life to them that lay hold upon her : 
And happy is every one that retaineth her. 
The Lord by wisdom hath founded the earth ; 
By understanding hath he established the heavens. 
By his knowledge the depths are broken up, 
And the clouds drop down the dew. 

1 wisdom dwell with prudence, 

And find out knowledge of witty inventions. 

Counsel is mine, and sound wisdom : 

I am understanding; I have strength. 

By me kings reign, 

And princes decree justice. 

By me princes rule, 

And nobles, even all the judges of the earth. 






EDUCATIONAL MEETING. 213 

My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. 

Knowledge and wisdom shall be the stability of thy times, 

and strength of salvation. 
The fear of the Lord is the instruction of wisdom ! 
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom ! 
I lead in the way of righteousness, 
In the midst of the paths of judgment, 
That I may cause those that love me to inherit substance ; 
And I will fill their treasures. 
The path of the just is as the shining light, 
That shineth more and more unto the perfect day. 
Prov. 8 : 1-7. Prov. 3 : 13-20. Prov. 8 : 12-16. 

See also, Ps. Ill : 10. Prov. 8 : 20, 21. Prov. 4 : 18. Hos. 4 : 6. Is. 33 : 6. 
Prov. 15 : 33. 

IPs and 8's. 

O'er the green Mils of science, Spirit, preside, 
And send down thy heavenly showers ; 
Let holiest dew on each tendril abide, 
And nourish the germs and the flowers. 

Pour salt in these fountains, shed light on these halls, 
Bid Shiloh's pure waters be there, 
Till the tide of salvation, surrounding the walls, 
Rolls high on the breezes of prayer. 

From the youth of our country shall armies arise, 
The gospel of peace to proclaim, 

O'er the land and the sea, the glad message that flies, 
Shall echo Immanuel's name. 

PRAYER. 

Almighty God, supreme and all sufficient source of light 
and truth, we acknowledge and adore thee as the creator and 
absolute disposer of all things. The heavens declare thy 
glory, and the whole material universe is eloquent of thy 
praise. But we recognize thee especially as the creator of 
the human soul, with all those wonderful endowments which, 
bearing thine own express image, are capable of rising to the 
apprehension of their existence and the survey of their infinite 
perfections. We bless thee O Lord, for those faculties which 
raise us immeasurably above the brutes that perish ; which 
stamp us lords of this lower creation ; which prepare us to 
be subjects of thy moral government ; and fit us for a glori- 
ous career of ever growing knowledge, virtue and happiness. 
We thank thee, that thou hast made these faculties suscepti- 
ble of a varied and unlimited culture, so that under the sldl- 



214 BIBLE PRAYER BOOK. 

ful hand of training, and the fostering influence of truth, 
they may be drawn forth, strengthened, harmonised, and 
made at once to raise their possessor ever, higher and higher 
in the scale of intellectual dignity and worth and to reflect 
with ever increasing brightness the glory of their author. 
And we thank thee that thou hast made a world without 
corresponding to the world within us — a universe of high and 
elevating truth over which the mind may freely range, and 
whence it will draw ever fresh and inexhaustible supplies for 
its own nurture and enlargement. 

And now, Our Father, we humbly beseech thee to impress 
us with a sense of the responsibilities which attend the posses- 
sion of endowments so exalted. May we remember that we 
are bound to show a holy fidelity in meeting the claims which 
gifts so transcendent lay upon us ; and that we are at liberty 
to think from no effort which is required for the highest cul- 
ture and perfection of our intellectual natures, and for making 
the greatest attainments in the knowledge of thy works and 
ways. We entreat thee to smile upon all our efforts after 
intellectual growth and discipline. Then who hast created, 
and so wondrously endowed the mind ; Thou alone knowest 
all its secret springs, and comprehendest all its curious and 
complicated mechanism ; thou alone perfectly understandest 
the best methods of its culture and canst guide it aright in 
the pursuit of knowledge. Wilt thou shed the light of thy 
wisdom upon our darkness, and guide us to the attainment 
of that truth which at once illuminates, enlarges, and puri- 
fies the soul. And as the end and scope of all our acquisi- 
tions may we become acquainted with thee ; and through 
nature and providence, as well as relation, may we learn to 
look up reverently and lovingly to the God who presides over 
both. 

And we beseech thee to smile graciously upon all the efforts 
which are made in behalf of the cause of education — to 
promote the great interests of truth and learning among men. 
Bless, we entreat thee, our common schools and academies, 
and all our higher seminaries of learning. May there be 
places where right influences shall prevail ; where sound 
moral religious teachings shall conspire with a thorough in- 
tellectual teaching, to fit the rising youth of our land for the 
high duties and destinies which await them. May those who 
preside over these institutions be richly furnished with all 
needed qualifications for communicating instruction ; and 



MEETINGS OF THE YOUNG. 215 

may the youth who are taught in them, by availing them- 
selves diligently of the advantages which they proffer, become 
well armed for the great conflicts of life, and fitted to serve 
faithfully God and their generation. 

And we pray thee, O Lord, to lend thy gracious aid to all 
the efforts which are made to enlighten the ignorance and 
elevate the condition of our benighted humanity. May all 
who in every place are scattering the seeds of intellectual or 
spiritual life, be cheered by seeing a portion of the seed they 
sow, fall into good ground, take root, germinate, and produce 
fruit to the glory of thy name. We especially commend to 
thy favorable regard the objects and interests of this meeting. 
Wilt thou graciously preside over all its proceedings ; aid by 
the counsels of thy Spirit in all its deliberations ; give to its 
members a unanimity ..of feeling and of views in respect to the 
great cause which they are assembled to promote ; may 
truth be elicted by their discussions, and may principles be 
set forth, and measures adopted which shall contribute to the 
ushering in of that day when the reign of light and truth 
shall be universal. And hasten, we beseech thee, our heaven- 
ly Father, the coming of that happy time — the time when 
darkness shall have fled away; when the pure light shall 
every where shine ; when ignorance, superstition and idolatry 
shall no more enslave the minds of men ; but when the glory 
of the Lord in his works and his word shall be so revealed 
that all flesh shall see it and praise him together. And to 
God only wise be rendered praise forever through Jesus Chrkt 
the only Saviour. Amen. 



LXXXIX.— MEETINGS OF THE YOUNG. 

Six days shalt thou labor, and do all thy work. The sleep 
of a laboring man is sweet, whether he eat little or much. 
He that tilleth his land shall have plenty of bread : but he 
that followeth after vain persons, shall have poverty enough. 
He becometh poor that dealeth with a slack hand : but the 
hand of the diligent maketh rich. He that gathereth in sum- 
mer, is a wise son : but he that sleepeth in harvest, is a son 
that causeth shame. Exod. 20 : 9. Eccl. 5 : 12. Prov. 
28 : 19. Prov. 10 : 4, 5. 

The soul of the sluggard desireth and hath nothing : but 



216 BIBLE PRAYER BOOK. 

the soul of the diligent shall be made fat. The hand of the 
diligent shall bear rule: but the slothful shall be under 
tribute. Seest thou a man diligent in his business? he shall 
stand before kings, he shall not stand before mean men. 
Prov. 12 : 24. Prov. 22 : 29. Prov. 13 : 4. 

Cease, my son, to hear the instruction that causeth to err 
from the words of knowledge. Be not deceived : evil com- 
munications corrupt good manners. Thou shalt not follow a 
multitude to do evil : neither shalt thou speak in a cause to 
decline after many, to wrest judgment. Blessed is the man 
that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth 
in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. 
He that walketh with wise men, shall be wise : but a compa- 
nion of fools shall be destroyed. Prov. 19 : 27. 1 Cor. 15 : 
33. Exod. 23 : 2. Ps. 1 : 1. Prov. 13 : 20. 

My son, if sinners entice thee, consent thou not. If they 
say, Let us lurk privily for the innocent ; let us swallow them 
up alive, as the grave, and whole, as those that go down into 
the pit : we shall find all precious substance, we shall fill our 
houses with spoil : cast in thy lot among us, let us all have 
one purse. My son, walk not thou in the way with them ; 
refrain thy foot from their path ; for their feet run to evil, 
and make haste to shed blood. And they lay wait for their 
own blood, they lurk privily for their own lives. Prov. 1 : 
10, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 18. 

Enter not into the path of the wicked, and go not into the 
way of evil men. Avoid it, pass not by it, turn from it, and 
pass away. For they sleep not, except they have done mis- 
chief: and their sleep is taken away unless they cause some 
to fall. For they eat the bread of wickedness, and drink the 
wine of violence. Prov. 4 : 14, 15, 16, 17. 

At the window of my house, I looked through my case- 
ment, and behold among the simple ones, I discerned among 
the youths, a young man void of understanding. Passing 
through the street, there met him a woman subtil of heart. 
He goeth after her straightway, as an ox goeth to the slaugh- 
ter, or as a fool to the correction of the stocks, till a dart 
strike through his liver, as a bird hasteth to the snare, and 
knoweth not that it is for his life. He knoweth not that the 
dead are there and that her guests are in the depths of hell. 
Her house is the way to hell, going down to the chambers of 
death. Prov. 7 : 6, 7, 8, 10, 22, 23. Prov. 9 : 18. Prov. 
7 : 27. 



MEETINGS OF THE YOUNG. 217 

My son, keep my words, and lay up my commandments 
with thee. Keep my commandments and live. Rejoice, O 
young man, in thy youth, and let thy heart cheer thee in the 
days of thy youth, and walk in the ways of thine heart, and in 
the sight of thine eyes: but know thou, that for all these 
things, God will bring thee into judgment. Prov. 1 : 1, 2. 
Mel. 11:9. 

Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter : Fear God 
and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of 
man. For God shall bring every work into judgment, with 
every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil. 
Ps. 12 : 14. 

C. M. 
O, in the morn of life, when youth 
With vital ardor glows, 
And shines in all the fairest charms, 
That beauty can disclose. 

Deep in thy soul, before its powers, 
Are yet by vice enslaved, 
Be thy Creator's glorious name 
And character engraved. 

True wisdom, early sought and gained, 
In age will give thee rest, 
O, there, improve the morn of life 
To make its evening blest. 

PRAYER. 

We adore thee as the creator and upholder of all things : 
as the author of the relations, and disposer of the periods of 
human life. We praise thee for the advantages and promise 
of youth, that while age totters with feebleness, or leans on its 
staff, the step of youth is firm and elastic ; while the grass- 
hopper becomes a burden to age, the least noise disturbs its 
repose, and misfortunes crush its spirit ; the energy of youth 
is baffled by no adversities, but its spirit turns- buoyant and 
hopeful from the ruin of the last cherished plan, and from the 
grave of the last buried affection. While the walks of science 
may be interdicted to age through the want or neglect of op- 
portunities, by the formation of uncongenial habits and tastes 
and aversion to new undertakings, they are open in all their 
pleasing prospects and ample rewards before youth. While 
the character of age has become stereotyped beyond the pro- 
bability of careful revisions or considerable alterations and 
amendments, the type of youthful character is not yet all set 

10 



218 BIBLE PRAYER BOOK. 

up or arranged, or cast in form. The character of youth is 
still in the pliant twig, and its every inclination may add to 
the symmetry and beauty or to the deformity of the rising tide. 
While age in its irreligion has little hope remaining, and is 
liable to die accursed in its hundreth year of unbelief and ir- 
religion ; even the sinful character of youth has not yet re- 
ceived the unalterable spot of the leopard, or the dark tinge 
of the Ethiopian's skin. We praise thee for the manifold ad- 
vantages of the young. For them are prepared the mansions 
of wealth, and the humbler dwellings of competence and con- 
tent. For their control wait the affairs of manufactures and 
commerce. For them are opened schools and colleges and 
universities. For them wait the honors of professions and of 
civil trust. To them are presented the rewards of patriotism, 
of philanthropy and religion. We look to them as the hope 
of the state and of the church, promising to our country an 
improved citzenship and magistracy — a more enlightened 
skill in her industrial callings, a more thorough accomplish- 
ment and higher probity in her professional classes ; an in- 
crease of knowledge, and of moral, intellectual and religious 
culture among all her citizens. O let our country rise to the 
highest possible elevation and glory of human society. Bless 
all schools and colleges, and other institutions contemplating 
the culture and accomplishment of youth. May they become 
nurseries of social virtues, as well as of the sciences ; of moral 
as well as intellectual greatness. And may the young be 
prepared for the higher duties and privileges of an age 

Prophets and kings desired to see, 
But died without the sight. 

May our youth rise in a more scriptural faith and a more 
scriptural charity to mediate between contending parties in reli- 
gion. May the love of Christianity rise in them superior to the 
love of sects, and conciliate the children to a scriptural alliance 
and fraternal fellowship, unattainable by their more prejudiced 
parents. " Our Father," &c. 



XC— MATERNAL MEETINGS. 

Who can find a virtuous woman ? for her price is far above 
rubies. The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her. 
bhe will do him good, and not evil, all the days of her life. 



MATERNAL MEETINGS. 219 

She seeketh wool and flax, and worketh willingly with her 
hands. She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat 
to her household, and a portion to her maidens. She layeth 
her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff. She 
maketh fine linen, and selleth it, and delivereth girdles unto 
the merchant. 

She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth 
not the bread of idleness. Her children arise up, and call her 
blessed ; her husband also, and he praiseth her. She openeth 
her mouth with wisdom ; and in her tongue is the law of 
kindness. She stretcheth out her hand to the poor, yea she 
reacheth forth her hands to the needy. Prov. 31 : 10, 11, 12, 
13, 15, 19, 24, 27, 28, 20. 

Haunah said, I am a woman of a sorrowful spirit : I have 
drunk neither wine nor strong drink, but have poured out my 
soul before the Lord. And she said, Let thine handmaid find 
grace in thy sight. So the woman went her way, and did 
eat, and her countenance was no more sad. And she said, 
For this child I rjrayed, and the Lord hath given me my peti- 
tion, which I asked of him : therefore also, I have lent him 
to the Lord ; as long as he liveth he shall be lent to the Lord. 

1 Sam. 1 : 15, 18, 26, 27, 28. 

Samuel ministered before the Lord, being a child, girded 
with a linen Ephod. His mother made him a little coat, and 
brought it to him from year to year, when she came up with 
her husband, to offer the yearly sacrifice. And Hannah 
prayed, and said, My heart rejoiceth in the Lord, mine horn 
is exalted in the Lord. 1 Sam. 2 : 18, 19, 1. 

There followed him a great company of people and of 
women, which also bewailed and lamented him. But Jesus 
turning unto them, said, Daughters of Jerusalem, weep not 
for me, but weep for yourselves, and for your children. JSTow 
there stood by the cross of Jesus, his mother, and his mother's 
sister, Mary the wife of Cleophas and Mary Magdalene. And 
they returned and prepared spices and ointments. And very 
early in the morning, the first day of the week, they came 
unto the sepulchre at the rising of the sun. Luke 23 : 27, 
28. John 19 : 25. Luke 23 : 56. Mark 16 : 2. 

Favor is deceitful and beauty is vain ; but a woman that 
feareth the Lord, she shall be praised. Prov. 31 : 30. 

See also, 1 Sam. 25 : 4-8. 18. 35. 2 Kings 4 : 8-10. Matt. 20 : 20, 21. Luke 

2 :3b, 37. Luke 10 : 38-42. 



220 BIBLE PRAYER BOOK. 



CM. 

Great God, we would to thee make known 
Each fond maternal care ; 
For this we gather round thy throne, 
And bring our children there. 

We ask not wealth, long life, or fame, 
Or aught the world can give 5 
May they but glorify thy name, 
And to thy honor live. 

This is the burden of our prayer 
When from our bosoms riven, 
May they be objects of thy care, 
And heirs, at last of heaven. 

PRAYER. 

We adore thee as the father of all mankind, and as the all- 
wise disposer of human relations. In wisdom and kindness 
thou hast instituted and guarded by the sanctions of thy law, 
the family institution. We praise thee for its tender ties, and 
its blessed fellowship ; its ennobling sentiments and its sanc- 
tifying influences. But we acknowledge with trembling so- 
licitude the responsibility of its relations. When we reflect 
upon the consequences of the neglect or discharge of its 
duties, we exclaim with the deepest sense of our own weak- 
ness, who is sufficient for these things ? Enable us to realize 
that we are training up our children for the state, and the 
church ; for virtue or vice ; for glory or shame. Let them 
never swell the ranks of the profane and the profligate. Pre- 
serve them if it please thee, from the evils and temptations of 
extreme poverty, or excessive wealth. May they early learn 
in whatsoever situation they are placed, therewith to be con- 
tent. Preserve them from the contaminating influence of 
false teaching, and of corrupt companionship. May they 
emulate the virtues of the good ; and follow the counsels of 
the just. And to this end, may it be our aim to lead them 
into all truth : carefully to avoid errors of head, and heart, 
so that the first lessons engraven on their plastic minds may 
be a proper foundation for all time to come. May it be our 
constant endeavor to instil into their minds lessons of christian 
virtue, so that by the divine blessing, when called to mingle 
with an ungodly world whose allurements will be set to en- 
snare them, they may not fall a prey to the destroyer. Teach 
us who govern, the all-important lesson of self control, so 



MUSICAL CONVENTIONS. 221 

that we may not be betrayed into those faults we are counsel 
ing them to avoid. Help us to embody and exemplify the 
principles we strive to inculcate, in our daily walk so that 
our children may take knowledge that we have been taught 
in the school of Christ. Aid us, God, in the delicate and 
difficult duty of family government. Allow us not to provoke 
our children to wrath ; may we suitably encourage them in 
every right attempt, and restrain them from every evil course, 
so that the curse of Eli may not visit our houses. O for that 
wisdom which cometh down from above, that we may bring 
up our children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. 

O God, suffer not their feet to stumble on the dark moun- 
tains of sin, suffer not the prince of the power of the air to 
lead them captive at his will, and at length shut them up in 
the prison of despair. Suffer not the evil communications of 
ungodly associates to mislead their judgment, corrupt their 
principles, and destroy their faith. Lord, they know not 
the deceitfulness of their own hearts, nor their liability to fall 
into sin. Teach them the danger of leaning to their own un- 
derstanding, and of trusting their good resolutions. May they 
early be taught by thy Holy Spirit, and cry earnestly unto 
thee, My father be thou the guide of my youth. As in the 
days of thy flesh mothers brought their offspring to thee for 
thy benediction, so, blessed Saviour, we would bring our 
dear children in the arms of our faith, and crave thy blessing. 
O may they, like Timothy, know the Lord from their youth, 
be blessings to the world, and ornaments to the church. Bless 
the rising generation of our country and of the world at large. 

Have mercy upon those who have none to care for them ; 
teach those who have none to instruct them, guide those who 
have none to direct them ; and may they be a seed to serve 
thee. Snatch thou the prey from the destroyer, and save 
weak defenceless youth from temporal and spiritual ruin. 
" Our Father," <kc. 



XCL— MUSICAL CONVENTIONS. 
Ps. 150, 149, 148, 147, 146, 108, 107, 67, 33. 

PRAYER. 

It is good to give thanks to thee, and sing praises to thy 
name thou Most High. Thy works praise thee, and thy 



222 BIBLE PRAYER BOOK. 

saints bless thee. Thy name is excellent in all the earth, and 
thy glory is above the heavens. We bless thee that by en- 
dowing him with superior faculties and reason and intelligence 
imagination and sentiment, thou hast set man over the works 
of the inanimate and the lower orders of the inanimate crea- 
tion. We thank thee for various means for cultivating, and 
exercising these higher faculties, and for the refining and 
ennobling pleasures they afford. We thank thee especially 
for the susceptibility to be influenced by the concord of sweet 
sounds, almost commensurate with the faculty of speech and 
hearing. We thank thee for the social, moral, and religious 
influence of music, facilitating the march of civilization, the 
progress of morals, and the triumph of religion. We thank 
thee that music was honored in the celebration of the crea- 
tion, when the morning stars sang together and all the sons 
of God shouted for joy, and in the order and worship of the 
ancient Temple when the Levites sang in their courses. 

We thank thee that in intimation of its continued claims, 
under the later and more spiritual dispensation, it was again 
honored in the heralding of the advent of the Messiah, when 
by the Shepherds the angels were heard over Bethlehem with 
a full chorus of the Heavenly host, singing, " Glory to God 
in the highest, peace on earth and good will to men." 

We gratefully acknowledge its adaptation and obligation as 
a part of the prescribed order of social worship ; enjoining 
singing and making melody in the heart to God, and exhor- 
tation with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs. We 
praise thee for its persuasive utterances of christian doctrines 
and duties ; for its aids to devotion and the influence of the 
truth ; for its sublime inculcations of philanthropy and patri- 
otism ; for its succors to liberty and to moral reforms ; for all 
its refining influence upon individual character and upon soci- 
ety. O may the discords of earth be succeeded by the har- 
mony of truth and justice, liberty and virtue, religion and 
happiness, and of a restored brotherhood and fellowship among 
mankind. May the harmony of sanctified affections beguile 
us of all the weariness and sorrows of life. May we sing thy 
praise with the spirit and with the understanding ; and at 
length may we be prepared to join the general assembly and 
church of the first born in heaven in singing the song of 
Moses, and of the Lamb, and ascribing blessing and honor 
and glory and power unto him that sitteth upon the throne 
forever and ever. "Our Father" &c. 



PART THIRD. 



BRIEF DEVOTIONAL MEDITATIONS FOR 
PARTICULAR OCCASIONS. 



XCIL— LAST EVENING OF THE OLD YEAR. 

O God, thou hast been our refuge and dwelling place in all 
generations. Before the mountains were brought forth, or 
ever thou hadst formed the earth and the world, even from 
everlasting to everlasting, thou art God. A thousand years 
in thy sight are but as yesterday when it is past, and as a 
watch in the night. But as for man, his days are as grass ; 
as a flower of the field so he flourisheth ; for the wind passeth 
over it and it is gone, and the place thereof knoweth it no 
more. 

We appear before thee, to close in thy presence another of 
the revolutions of our fleeting existence, earnestly praying 
that the season may not pass away without suitable and se- 
rious reflections. 

What numbers of our fellow creatures, and many of them 
much more likely to have continued than their survivors, 
have during the past year been carried down to their long 
home; but we have been preserved, and are the living to 
praise thee this day. So teach us to number our days that 
we may apply our hearts unto wisdom. 

O what a series of bounties and blessings present them- 
selves to our minds, when we look back upon the year 
through which we have passed ; and to what but to thine 
unmerited goodness in the son of thy love are we indebted for 
all? Health, strength, food, raiment, residence, friends, rela- 
tions, comfort, pleasure, hope, usefulness, — all our benefits 
have dropped from thy gracious hand ; and there has not 
been a day, or an hour, or a moment, but has published thy 
goodness and thy care. 

O how many duties have we neglected or improperly per- 
formed. How little have we redeemed our time or improved 



224 BIBLE PRAYER BOOK. 

our talents. How little Lave we been alive to thy glory, or 
sought, or even seized, when presented, opportunities of serv- 
ing our generation. 

Pardon our iniquity, for it is great. Cleanse us from all 
unrighteousness, and work in us to will and to do of thy good 
pleasure. Let us not carry one of our old sins with us into 
the new year unforgiven, unrepented of, unbewailed, unabhor- 
red. With a new portion of time, may we have new hearts 
and become new creatures. 

If this year we should die — and in the midst of life we are 
in death — may it prove our eternal gain. And if our days 
are prolonged, may we walk before the Lord in the land of 
the living, and show forth all thy praise. The number of our 
months is with thee. In thy hand our breath is, and thine 
are all our ways. Prepare us for all, and be with us in all, 
and bring us safely through all, into the rest that remains for 
thy people ; for the sake of our Lord and Saviour : in whose 
words we call thee, u Our Father." 



XCITL -FIRST MORNING OF THE NEW YEAR. 

Lord, thou hast laid the foundation of the earth ; and the 
heavens are the work of thy hands. They shall perish, but 
thou shalt endure ; yea, all of them shall wax old like a gar- 
ment ; as a vesture shalt thou change them, a$d they shall 
be changed : but thou art the same, and thy years shall have 
no end. May our minds be filled with elevation and gran- 
deur at the thought of a being with whom one day is as a 
thousand years, and a thousand years are as one day ; a be- 
ing, who, amidst all the revolutions of empire, and the lapse 
of worlds, feels no variableness nor shadow of turning. 

May we rejoice, that while men die, the Lord liveth ; that 
while all creatures are found broken reeds and broken cisterns, 
he is the rock of ages, and the fountain of living* waters. May 
we seek after a union with thyself, as the strength of our 
heart and our portion for ever, and be partakers ourselves of 
the immutability we adore; for thou hast assured us that 
while the world passeth away and the lusts thereof, he that 
doeth the will of God abideth for ever. 

We thank thee that thou hast revealed to us the way in 
which a fallen and perishing sinner can be eternally united to 
thyself; and that Jesus is the way, the truth and the life. In 



FIRST MORNING OF THE NEW YEAR. 225 

his name we come. receive us graciously. Justify us 
freely from all things. Renew us in the spirit of our minds ; 
and bless us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in 
Christ. 

As we have entered on a new period of life, may we faith- 
fully examine ourselves, to see what has been amiss in our 
former temper and conduct, and in thy strength, may we re- 
solve to correct it. And may we inquire, for the future, with 
a full determination to reduce our knowledge to practice, 
Lord what wilt thou have me to do ? Prepare us for all the 
duties of the ensuing year. All the wisdom and strength ne- 
cessary for the performance of them, must come from thyself, 
may we therefore live a life of self distrust, of divine depend- 
ence and of prayer ; may we ask, and receive, that our joy may 
be full ; may we live in the spirit, and walk in the spirit. If 
we are indulged with prosperity, let not our prosperity des- 
troy us nor injure us. If we are exercised with adversity, 
suffer us not to sink in the hour of trouble, or sin against 
God. May we know how to be abased without despondence 
and to abound without pride. If our relative comforts are 
continued to us, may we love them without idolatry, and hold 
them at thy disposal ; and if they are recalled from us, may 
we be enabled to say, the Lord gave and the Lord hath taken 
away ; blessed be the name of the Lord. 

Bless, O bless the young. May each of them, this day 
hear thee saying, My son, give me thy heart ; and from this 
time may they cry unto thee as the guide of their youth. 
Regard those who have reached the years wherein they say, 
We have no pleasure in them. If old in sin, may they be 
urged to embrace, before it be for ever too late, the things 
that belong to their peace ; and if old in grace, uphold them 
with thy free spirit, and help them to remember that now is 
their salvation nearer than when they believed. 

Bless all the dear connections attached to us by nature, 
friendship, or religion. Grace be to them, and peace be mul- 
tiplied. 

Let our country share thy protection and smiles. Bless all 
our rulers and magistrates. 

Bless all our churches and congregations. Bless all thy 
ministers ; may thine ordinances in their hand be enlivening 
and refreshing, and thy word effectual to wound and to heal. 

May this be a year remarkable for the conversion of souls, 
and the extension of the gospel. Bless all missionary socie- 

10* 



226 BIBLE PRAYER BOOK. 

ties ; and let the circling months see the banners of the Re- 
deemer carried forward, till all nations are subdued to the 
obedience of faith. " Our Father," &c. 



XCIY.— CHRISTMAS DAY MORNING. 

O God, who hast so loved the world, as to give thine only 
begotten Son, that whosoever believeth on him, should not 
perish, but have everlasting life ; help us this day with true 
humility, and with heartfelt gratitude, and love, and praise, 
to meditate upon the great mystery of godliness, God man- 
ifest in the flesh. 

With thy holy prophet we would rejoice that unto us a 
child is born, unto us a son is given, whose name is called 
wonderful, counsellor, the mighty God, the everlasting father, 
the prince of peace. 

With the choir of angels, we would tune our narps to the 
praise of redeeming mercy, glory to God in the highest, on 
earth peace, good will toward men. 

O Lord, bless us this day, with all spiritual blessings in 
Christ Jesus. Make us joyful in thy house of prayer. Whilst 
we contemplate the wondrous mystery of the incarnation and 
nativity of Christ Jesus our Lord, may we remember all the 
blessed ends for which he left that glory which he had with 
the Father before the world was, and became a man of sor- 
rows and acquainted with grief. Give us grace that we may 
cast away the works of darkness, and put upon us the armor 
of light, now in the time of our mortal life in which thy 
son Jesus Christ came to visit us in great humility that in 
the last day when he shall come again in his glorious majes- 
ty to judge both the quick and dead, we may rise to the 
life immortal, through him who liveth and reigneth with thee 
and the Holy Ghost, now and ever. Amen. 



XCY.— CHRISTMAS DAY EVENING. 

Lord Jesus Christ, that which we believe of the glory of 
the Father, and of the Holy Ghost, the same do we believe of 
thy glory, without any difference or unequaiity. We adore 
thee, as God over all, blessed forever. Who for us men and 



SPRING. 227 

for our salvation, didst come down from heaven, and wast 
incarnate by the Holy Ghost, of the virgin Mary, and wast 
made man. 

O Lord God, lamb of God, son of the Father, that taketh 
away the sins of the world, have mercy upon us, for we are 
vile earth, and miserable sinners. In thee are centered all 
our hopes of pardon and grace, of consolation and joy. 

We bless thee, that the mystery which has been hid from 
ages, hath been revealed unto us, and that this day we have 
again heard the glad tidings that unto us was born a Saviour, 
which is Christ the Lord. 

O Lord give unto us the increase of faith, hope, and charity. 
Enable us not only to confess thee before men as our Lord and 
our God, but also to feel our need of thee, as the only cause 
of our acceptance at the throne of grace. And O may we 
receive out of thy fulness grace for grace, be conformed to 
thy image, and be prepared for the enjoyment of thy glory. 

Saviour of the world, thou art the light to lighten the gen- 
tiles, and the glory of thy people Israel — arise and shine upon 
the world that is lying in darkness, — add to thy church daily 
such as shall be saved ; and hasten the time when all flesh 
shall see the salvation of our God. Amen. 



XCVL— SPRING. 



Thou art the fountain of life. In thee we live, move, and 
have our being ; and the prerogative of that being is, that we 
are able to contemplate thy perfections, and rise from thy 
works — to thyself. 

Thou sendest forth thy Spirit, and renewest the face of the 
earth ; and from apparent death, all nature starts into rean- 
imated vigor and joy. In what myriads of productions art 
thou displaying afresh the wonders of thy wisdom, power, and 
goodness — the whole earth is full of thy riches. 

While we partake of the general sympathy and delight, 
may we join with all thy works to praise thee. And O thou 
God of all grace, bless us with the renewing of the Holy 
Ghost in all the powers of our souls. May old things pass 
away, and all things become new in Christ. May the beauty 
of the Lord be upon us ; and the joy of the Lord be our 
strength. 



228 BIBLE PRAYER BOOK. 

May the young remember that they are now in the spring 
of life, and that this spring, once gone, returns no more. 
May they therefore eagerly seize, and zealously improve, the 
short, but all important season, for the cultivation of their 
minds, the formation of their habits, the correction of their 
tempers, their preparation for future usefulness, and their 
gaining that good part which shall not be taken away from 
them. 



XCVIL— SUMMER. 

We hail thee in the varying aspects of the year, and bless 
thee for all their appropriate influences and advantages. O 
let us not view them and enjoy them as men only, but as 
christians also ; and ever connect with them the better bless- 
ings of thy grace. 

How wise and useful and necessary are these intermingled 
rains and sunbeams ! May Jesus, as the sun of righteousness, 
arise upon us, with healing under his wings ; and may he 
come down as rain upon the mown grass, and as showers that 
water the earth. 

When we walk by the cooling brook, may we think of that 
river, the streams whereof make glad the city of God. 

When we retire from the scorching warmth of the day 
into the inviting shade, may we be thankful for a rest at 
noon, a shelter from the heat, the shadow of a great rock in 
a weary land. 

May thy servants behold the moral fields, that are already 
white unto harvest, and be all anxiety to save the multitudes 
that are perishing for lack of knowledge. 

The harvest truly is great but the laborers are few ; we 
therefore pray that thou wilt send forth laborers into thy 
harvest. 

He that gathereth in summer is a wise son ; he that sleep- 
eth in harvest is a son that causeth shame. Now is our ac- 
cepted time, now is our day of salvation. let us not waste 
our precious privileges, and in a dying hour exclaim, The 
harvest is past, the summer is ended, and we are not saved. 



AUTUMN.— WINTER. 229 

XCVIIL— AUTUMN. 

How fleeting as well as varying, are the seasons of the year. 
How insensibly have the months of spring and summer van- 
ished ! Nature has no sooner attained its maturities, than we 
behold its declension and decay. The fields are now shorn 
of their produce ; the beauties of the garden are withered ; 
the woods are changing their verdure, and the trees shedding 
their foliage — we also never continue in one stay. Many of 
our connexions and comforts have already dropped away from 
us ; and the remaining are held by a slender tenure — while 
we ourselves do all fade as a leaf — and in a little time our 
places will know us no more. 

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, 
for the announcement of an inheritance that fadeth not away. 
O for a hope full of immortality — for a possession of that 
good part which shall not be taken away from us. 



XCIX.— WINTER. 

thou God of nature and providence ; manifold are thy 
works ; in wisdom hast thou made them all, and all are full 
of thy goodness. The welfare of thy creatures requires the 
severity of winter as well as the pleasures of spring. We 
adore thy hand in all. Thou givest snow like wool ; Thou 
scatterest the hoar frost like ashes ; Thou sendest abroad thine 
ice like morsels : who can stand before thy cold. 

But we bless thee for a house to shelter us, for raiment to 
cover us, for fuel to warm us, and for all the accommodations 
that render life, even at this inclement season, not only tolera- 
ble, but full of comfort. 

May we be grateful ; and may we be pitiful ; may we 
reflect on the condition of those who are the victims of every 
kind of privation and distress — and waste nothing ; hoard 
nothing ; but hasten to be ministers of mercy, and the disci- 
ples of him who went about, doing good. O let the rich, 
now deservedly prize their wealth, and use it as the instru- 
ment of usefulness. May they be willing to communicate 
and ready to distribute and enjoy the blessing of him, that is 
ready to perish ; and make the widow's heart to sing for joy. 



230 BIBLE PRAYER BOOK. 



C— FOR A GOOD HARVEST. 

Again thou hast crowned the year with thy goodness. The 
grain might have perished in the earth, or have failed of ma- 
turity for want of the showers and of the sunshine. But thou 
wast pleased to bless the springing thereof; and we saw, first 
the blade, then the ear, and after that the full corn in the ear. 
We hailed the valleys standing thick with corn, and heard 
the little hills rejoicing on every side. In due time the mower 
filled his hands, and the binder of sheaves his bosom ; and 
the appointed weeks of harvest have been afforded us to ga- 
ther in the precious produce. O that men would praise the 
Lord for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the 
children of men ! For he satisfieth the longing soul, and fill- 
eth the hungry soul with goodness. 

We have again witnessed thy faithfulness and truth in the 
promise, While the earth remaineth, seed time and harvest, 
and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and 
night, shall not cease. May we learn to trust thee in all thy 
engagements. 

And make us thankful, that as we have no famine of bread, 
so we have no famine of hearing the word of the Lord. With 
regard to the soul as well as to the body, thou fillest us with 
the finest of the wheat. 



CI— FOR RAIN AFTER A LONG DROUGHT. 

Thou hast never left thyself without witness, but hast been 
continually doing good, even to the unthankful and unworthy, 
in giving them rain from heaven, and fruitful seasons, filling 
their hearts with joy and gladness. We acknowledge that 
the heavens over us might have been brass, and the earth 
under us iron. We have justly deserved the calamity ; and 
thy power, without a miracle, could have inflicted it. But 
though thou hast tried our patience, and awakened our fears 
thou hast not forgotten to be gracious. We praise thee for 
sending us the seasonable and plentiful rain, by which thou 
hast refreshed and revived the drooping fields, so that the 
earth promises to yield her increase. 



FOR FAIR WEATHER AFTER MUCH RAIN- 231 

CH.— FOR FAIR WEATHER AFTER MUCH RAIN. 

O God, thou art good, and doest good. Thou hast again 
surpassed our deserts, and been better to us than our fears. 
Thou hast caused the clear shining after rain, so that in the 
meadows the hay appeareth, and in the fields. Thou art pre- 
paring of thy goodness for the poor. Thou preservest man 
and beast. May we feel our constant dependence upon thee, 
and by prayer and praise give thee the glory that is due unto 
thy holy name. 



Cm.— FOR FAIR WEATHER. 



Lord, if thou shouldst turn a fruitful land into barrenness, 
for the wickedness of them that dwell therein : yet righteous 
wert thou, and just would be thy judgments ; and we must 
not open our mouths to reply against God ; but bear the in- 
dignation of the Lord which our sins have so much deserved ; 
when our iniquities have turned away the blessings, and with- 
holden the good things from us. But, Father of mercies, 
spare us and forgive us, for thy own mercy's sake : and put 
a stop to the calamity that threatens destruction to the works 
of thy hands ; that the rain which is thy blessing may not be 
turned into a curse ; nor descend from heaven to corrupt and 
spoil the fruits of the earth. O cause the overflowing show- 
ers to cease, which damp the joy of the harvest, and endan- 
ger the blasting of our blessings. And as thou hast given us 
plenty, and caused our land to yield its increase, so give us, 
we pray thee, a seasonable time to gather in the fruits which 
thy bounty has provided for us ; that in the use of them we 
may joyfully and cheerfully serve thee; and not consume 
them upon our lusts, but live to thy glory, as we do upon thy 
bounty. And when thy judgments are in the land, that 
we, who inhabit it, may learn righteousness ! nor let our anx- 
ieties be so great for our bodies as for our souls ; that how- 
ever we fare here, it may go well with us for ever. O let us 
not labor for the meat that perisheth, but for that which en- 
dures to everlasting life : which everlasting provision for our 
unchangable condition, above all, we beg at thy hands, O 
Lord God our heavenly Father, for the sake of Jesus Christ 
our only Saviour. Amen. 



232 BIBLE PRAYER BOOK. 

CIV.— WHEN ANY MEMBER OF A FAMILY IS SICK. 

Almighty and most merciful God, at whose word diseases 
come and depart, encouraged by thy gracious promises, we 
flee to thee in this our time of need. In submission to thy 
most wise and holy will, we earnestly supplicate thee on be- 
half of thy servant, whose illness causes us great anxiety. O 
Lord be gracious to him, (or her,) and enable him to bear 
with patience those fatherly corrections which thou dost lay 
upon him. Show forth thy power and glory, in raising him 
from a bed of sickness, and in making him a monument of 
thy pardoning mercy in Christ Jesus. Merciful God, what- 
ever may be the issue of this sickness, give thy afflicted ser- 
vant a sanctified use of it ; work in him deep conviction of 
sin, unfeigned repentance towards thee, and steadfast faith in 
our Lord Jesus Christ. Enable him to build all his hopes 
upon the crucified Saviour, and looking unto Jesus, may he 
be filled with resignation, joy and peace. And shouldst thou, 
in thy tender mercy, bless the means which are used for the 
restoration of his health, Oh ! teach him and us to glorify 
thee, the God of our salvation, in our bodies and our souls 
which are thine. We present before thee our supplications, 
through the merits and mediation of thy beloved Son, our 
onlv Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen. 



CV.— WHEN ANY OF THE FAMILY IS DANGEROUSLY ILL. 

thou creator and preserver of men, to whom belong the 
issues both of life and death, we earnestly beseech thee to look 
down in tender compassion on thy servant, who now groans 
under the weight of thy chastisement. When all human 
resources fail, and all human hope is lost it is not in vain to 
flee to thee for succor. To the arms of thy mercy, therefore, 
we commend our dear friend. We know that nothing is 
impossible with thee, and that if thou wilt, thou canst even 
yet raise him (or her) up, and grant him a longer continuance 
amongst us. But enable us, gracious Lord, to resign all our 
thouo-hts and desires concerning him to thee, for thou know- 
est what is best both for him and for us. Merciful God 
should this sickness be unto death, we implore thee to succor 
and strengthen him in his last conflict ; and the more the 



FAMILY THANKSGIVING, ETC. 233 

outward man decayeth, continually strengthen him so much 
the more with thy grace in the inner man. Wash away all 
his guilt in the blood of that spotless Lamb, who was slain to 
take away the sins of the world. Cheer his soul with a com- 
fortable hope of thy pardoning mercy ; and support him 
whilst passing through the valley of the shadow of death, by 
the remembrance of thy exceeding great and precious prom- 
ises. Looking unto Jesus, may he see death deprived of its 
sting, and the grave of its victory ; yea may he be enabled 
to triumph in the prospect of that period when he shall be 
admitted into thy kingdom, there to unite with the angelic 
choir, and the spirits of just men made perfect, to celebrate 
thy glory throughout all eternity. O Lord, regard us in 
mercy also ; prepare us for whatsoever thou may est have 
appointed for us, and if thy wisdom and mercy have ordained 
the removal of thy servant, whom we are remembering before 
thee, enable us to meet the awful stroke with serenity of spirit, 
and to adore the infinite wisdom and love displayed in this 
and in all thy dispensations towards us. Help us also to 
improve this solemn season. Realize to our minds the uncer- 
tain tenure by which we hold all temporal things, and the 
vast importance of eternal things. May we hear thy warning 
voice saying to us — " Be ye ajso ready, for ye know not the 
day nor the hour when the Son of man cometh." O thou 
God of salvation, send down an answer of peace to these our 
supplications, and do for us above all that we can ask or think 
for the sake of Jesus Christ our only Mediator. Amen. 



CVL— FAMILY THANKSGIVING, FOR THE RECOVERY OF 
A MEMBER OF A FAMILY FROM SICKNESS. 

most merciful Lord God, who art wonderful in thy doing, 
and gracious in thy dispensations towards the children of men, 
we offer up unto thee our sacrifice of thanksgiving for biinging 
back thy servant from the confines of the grave. Blessed 
be thy name, that though thou hast chastened him, (or her,) 
thou hast not delivered him unto death. In the midst of thy 
judgments, thou hast remembered mercy, — thou hast made 
all his bed in his sickness, and hast restored him to the arms 
of his family and his friends. 

gracious God, we thank thee that thou hast heard our 



234 BIBLE PRAYER BOOK. 

supplications, and hast had mercy not on him only, but on 
us also ; for thou hast turned our mourning into joy, and our 
disquietude into songs of praise. We beseech thee to bless 
all further means made use of for his more perfect recovery 
to bodily health ; but above all things, influence his heart 
with a grateful sense of thy late goodness towards him, that 
he may love thee more fervently, serve thee more cheerfully, 
and trust tlry salvation more assuredly. Suffer him not to 
become careless because thou hast lengthened out a little that 
span of life which must soon terminate ; but make him the 
more diligent in proportion to the mercies vouchsafed to him. 
Open thou his lips that his mouth may declare thy mercy 
and truth as long as he lives, and grant both to him and us 
a desire to improve the day of grace whilst it shines upon us ; 
looking for the glorious appearing of our Lord and Saviour 
Jesus Christ, to whom with thee, O Father, and thee O Eter- 
nal Spirit, three persons in one God, be ascribed all honor 
and glory world without end. Amen. 



CVIL— UPON THE DEATH OF DEAR FRIENDS. 

Great God, the Lord of all, thou doest whatsoever thou 
pleasest iu heaven and in earth ; and who may call in ques- 
tion ! Thou givest and takest away, raisest and dashest our 
hopes, sendest and destroy est our comforts and thou art wise 
and righteous, and good in all ; it is just we should be de- 
prived of the enjoyments which we nothing but slight and 
abuse ; yea, it is good for us to have those things taken from 
us, which our abuse makes hurtful to us : blessed be thy 
name, then, even when thou takest away, as well as when 
thou givest ; yet, O Lord, who art justly displeased for our 
sins, in mercy turn these losses to the advantage of our souls, 
and so repair the breaches out of thy own infinite fullness, 
that we may find thy own blessed self unto us, more and 
better than many, even of such friends and comforters ; they 
were but the instrument and means of conveyance ; thou the 
eternal spring and fountain of all good, art still the same, and 
amidst all these changes, never changest at all ; and what 
thou didst bestow on us by such means, thou canst more than 
make up to us another way. 

O our heavenly Father, take our eyes and heart, and hope, 
off of such poor dying comforts, to fix them upon the only 



CONTEMPLATING A JOURNEY. 235 

satisfying good ; in the enjoyment of which consist all our 
true life, and peace, and bliss ; and let the great emptiness 
and frequent disappointments that we find in all the comforts 
of creatures, and all the enjoyment of the world, teach us 
more wisdom than to place our affections and dependence 
upon them : and help to disengage and loosen our hearts 
from them, and raise up our desires and hopes to the glorious 
permament objects, so infinitely to be preferred before them. 
O let us be more crucified to the world, where is nothing but 
emptiness and frustrative vanity and vexation of spirit : and 
may we have our conversation more in heaven, where is our 
blessed Lord, and all his happy followers, of whom the world 
was not worthy, and every thing that the soul of man can 
want or wish. O God of the spirits of all flesh, especially of 
the just made perfect, help us to follow thy servants, our 
friends, departed in the Lord, that we with them, may attain 
at last to live in the sight and presence, in the love and praise, 
and in the fellowship and enjoyment of thee our God, blessed 
forever. " Our Father," &c. 



CVIIL— CONTEMPLATING A JOURNEY. 

O God, thou hast called thyself the preserver of men, and 
the length of our days. We are therefore encouraged to 
commit ourselves to thy guardian care, in the journey before 
us. 

Many have parted with the hope of soon embracing each 
other again, but instead of returning to their own dwelling, 
they have been conveyed to the house appointed for all living. 
"We pray, with submission to thy pleasure, that this may not 
be our experience. Give thine angels charge concerning us 
to keep us in all our ways. Let no evil befall our persons, 
and no plague come nigh our dwelling. May we know also 
that our tabernacle is in peace, and visit our habitation and 
not sin. 

Yet uncertain what a day may bring forth, may we be pre- 
pared for every event of thy providence ; and wherever, in 
dying, we go from, may it be our happiness to know where 
we are going to, and rejoice in the prospect, that when all 
our wanderings and partings are ended, we shall unite in our 
heavenly Father's house, and be for ever with the Lord. 
Amen. 



236 BIBLE PRAYER BOOK. 

CIX.— FOR A SAFE RETURN FROM A JOURNEY. 

As the keeper of Israel, thou hast been with us, not only 
in the house, but by the way. We might have been injured 
by wicked and unreasonable men. We might have been left 
groaning under pain of bruised or fractured limbs. Our lives 
might have been spilt like water on the ground, which can- 
not be gathered up again : and the first tidings that reached 
our friends might have plunged them into anguish. But all 
our bones can say, Who is a God like unto thee ? Thy se- 
cret too in our absence has been upon our tabernacle, and se- 
cured it from all evil. O that it may be the tabernacle of the 
righteous ; and be ever filled, not only with the voice of re- 
joicing, but of praise. And be with us in all the future jour- 
ney of life. Guide us by thy counsel. Uphold us by thy 
power ; and supply all our wants till we come to our Father's 
house in peace. Amen. 



CX.— FOR A FRIEND AT SEA. 

(With a little variation, the same form may be used for one who is 
going to sea, or for a number of persons ) 

O thou, who art the everlasting God, the creator of the 
ends of the earth : We know thou art the God of the sea as 
well as the land ; for thou makest the clouds thy chariot, and 
the dark waters thy pavilion. The elements obey thy voice 
and all nature is subject to thy control. With humble con- 
fidence we approach thee, and entreat thy protecting care in 
behalf of our friend, who is now exposed to the dangers of the 
ocean. We know not what things await him, nor can we 
tell the changes through which he may be called to pass — ■ 
but to thee we commend him, — and wherever he may be, 
and under whatever circumstances placed, implore for him 
thy presence and blessing. Preserve his life and health ; and 
if at any time he should be threatened with sudden destruc- 
tion, hear thou his cry, and turn not away thine ear from 
his entreaties, but save him from death, that he may live to 
praise thee and to make mention of thy goodness in the con- 
gregation of thy people. And if he shall return no more to 
us, may we meet him in heaven — which we ask for the sake 
of our Lord Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever. Amen. 



FOR THE RETURN OF A FRIEND FROM SEA. 23? 

CXL.— FOR THE RETURN OF A FRIEND FROM SEA. 

What shall be done unto thee, thou preserver of men ? 
We offer to thee the sacrifice of praise, the fruit of our lips, 
giving thanks to thy name, for thy goodness towards our 
friend and thy servant, whom thou hast delivered from the 
dangers of the pitiless deep. Thou wast with him when trou- 
ble was nigh ; and at thy command were the issues from 
death. Others have found a watery grave, till the sea shall 
give up her dead ; but he has returned alive and in comfort. 
Many are weeping over the loss of those for whom they long 
anxiously waited ; but we have embraced the desire of our 
eyes; and in the multitude of thy tender mercies we pay 
thee the vows of renewed intercourse. Amen. 



CXIL— FOR A WOMAN APPROACHING THE TIME OF 
TRAVAIL. 

Regard thine handmaid who is looking forward to an im- 
portant hour. Be not thou far from her when trouble is near. 
May her mind be kept in perfect peace, being stayed upon 
the God of her salvation. Bring to the birth, and give 
strength to bring forth. Soften the pains of labor, as well as 
command deliverance ; and in due time may she remember 
no more her anguish, for joy that a child is born into the 
world. And may the root and the branch abide under the 
shadow of the Almighty. Amen. 



CXIIL— FOR SAFE DELIVERY IN CHILD-BIRTH. 

We bless thee on the behalf of thine handmaid, who is 
now saying, I love the Lord, because he hath heard nry voice 
and my supplication. Thou hast been with her in the hour 
of pain and peril, and made her the joyful mother of a living 
and well formed infant. Complete thy goodness by the re- 
newal of her strength, and her ability to appear again in all 
the duties of her important station. 

Let the impressions produced by recent mercies be render- 
ed as durable as they are lively. May she remember, and 
pay thee the vows which her soul made when in trouble. 

May the life spared, and the life given, be dear in thy sight, 
and devoted to thy glory ; and may every addition made to 



238 BIBLE PRAYER BOOK. 

the world of creatures be found an accession to the church of 
the living God. Amen. 



CXIV.— FOR A YOUTH GOING FROM HOME. 

(If with a view to Business.) 

God, thou appointest the bounds of our habitations, and 
arrangest all our individual concerns ; and it is thy pleasure, 
not only that we should part at death, but often separate in 
life. When absent from each other in body, may we be pre- 
sent in spirit ; and may our natural affection be strengthened 
and sanctified by inquiry and correspondence, and divine re- 
membrance at the throne of grace. 

Regard the member of our family who is now leaving the 
parental roof and the parental wing. In all his ways may he 
acknowledge thee, and be thou the guide and the guard of 
his youth. Secure him from the paths of the destroyer and 
the evils of the world. May uprightness preserve him. In 
the situation he will be called to fill, may he be dutiful and 
obliging, and diligent and faithful. May he always remember 
that the eye of God is upon him ; and be not only amiable 
but pious; and in favor with God as well as man. Amen. 
(If with a view to School.) 

O thou God of providence and grace, we commend to thy 
care the dear child about to leave our abode for a season, in 
order to receive needful instruction. Let his (or her) life be 
precious in thy sight. May he redeem his time, and acquire 
the improvement that will fit him for usefulness in his day 
and generation. And O let him be made wise unto salva- 
tion ; and let the beauty of the Lord our God be upon him : 
that he may be a useful and ornamental member in thy 
church below, and hereafter a pillar in thy temple above, 
never more to go out. Amen. 



CXV.— FOR CHILDREN IN ORDINARY CIRCUMSTANCES. 

See also, No. 475. 
(All the petitions need not be used at the same time.) 

God, thou art the lovely Father of all mankind. Thou 
hast implanted in us the parental instincts ; and commanded 



FOR CHILDREN IN ORDINARY CIRCUMSTANCES. 239 

us to train up our children in the nurture and admonition of 
the Lord. We feel our awful responsibility, and often ex- 
claim, who is sufficient for these things? But thou givest 
wisdom to the ignorant and power to the faint. Aid, aid 
us, in discharging the duties we owe to those whom thou 
hast given us and continued to us. 

We give them up to thee, who art able to fulfil all our pe- 
titions. Rescue them from the numberless accidents and 
diseases to which they are exposed. Let their tempers be 
lovely, and meek, and kind. Let their manners be simple 
and engaging. May they be respectful towards their supe- 
riors, obliging towards tiieir equals, and condescending to- 
wards their inferiors. 

Let not envy and pride and censoriousness render them 
disdainful to others, and wretched in themselves. May they 
speak evil of no one. Upon their tongue may there dwell 
the law of kindness. May they hate and abhor lying, with 
all deceit and hypocrisy. 

May they be always willing to receive instruction, and be 
diligent in acquiring all the knowledge and improvement 
that may render them the blessings and ornaments of society. 

Keep them from evil company. If sinners entice them, 
may they never consent ; but early may they take hold of 
the skirt of him that is a Jew, saying, I will go with you, for I 
have heard that God is with you. 

We seek not great things for them as to this world — but 
O, let them live in thy sight ; let them be numbered with 
thy saints in glory everlasting ; let them be blessed with all 
spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ. 

Instead of multiplying riches, and leaving them incentives 
to pride, and vanity, and idleness, and sensuality, and aug- 
menting a thousand fold all the difficulties of their salvation — 
may we lay up for them treasure in heaven; may we be con- 
cerned to leave behind us a large inheritance of prayers and 
instructions and examples, with the blessing of God, that 
maketh rich, and addeth no sorrow with it. 

If their parents should be taken away from them — when 
father and mother forsake them, may the Lord take them up. 
If they should be deprived of their father — be thou the father 
of the fatherless ; or should they be deprived of their mother 
— as one whom his mother comforteth, so do thou comfort 
them. 

Should they be removed from us in early life, may the hea- 



240 BIBLE PRAYER BOOK. 

venly shepherd gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them 
in his bosom ; and may we be prepared to resign them. And 
if, as we submissively implore, their lives should be prolonged 
— may they grow up, and prove our comfort and honor, serve 
their generation according to thy will, and walk before thee 
in the land of the living. Amen. 



CXVL— PRAYER FOR A SABBATH SCHOOL. 

Gracious Saviour, who hast said, Suffer the little children to 
come unto me, and forbid them not, regard with thy favor 
every effort to bring up children in the nurture and admoni- 
tion of the Lord. 

Give, holy Lord, we beseech thee, wisdom and discretion, 
patience, kindness and perseverance to all who conduct 
schools. Bless those who endeavor to instruct the young. 
Do thou teach them that they may teach others. 

Heavenly Father, grant that the children of this school 
may receive with a humble, teachable and ready mind, all 
the instructions given to them according to thy word. Give 
them thy grace while young, that early seeking Jesus their 
Saviour, they may find him. Let them remember their Crea- 
tor in the days of their youth. Teach them to honor their 
parents and superiors, and to be kind and full of love towards 
each other. God grant that they may all be trained up in 
the way in which they should go, and when they are old 
never depart from it. May the knowledge of the Lord be 
universally diffused, till at length all shall know thee, from 
the least to the greatest, through Jesus Christ our Lord. 
Amen. 



CXVIL— FOR CRIMINALS IN PRISON. 

Beheld in the greatness of thy mercy, those who are bound 
in affliction and iron, because they rebelled against the word 
of God. May they be led to reflect upon the evil of sin, in 
the degradation and misery to which it has reduced them. 
Give them repentance unto life ; that they may acknowledge 
that, Thou art just in all that is brought upon them, and be 
more concerned to obtain deliverance from the wrath to come, 
than exemption from the hand of civil justice. If after length- 



FOR A CRIMINAL ABOUT TO SUFFER, ETC. 241 

ened confinement, they should be released, let them be res- 
cued from the bondage of corruption, and partake of the glo- 
rious liberty of the sous of God ; and if appointed unto death, 
hear the sighing of the prisoner, and though the flesh be 
destroyed, let the spirit be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus. 
While we feel an abhorrence of sin, may we- always display 
compassion for sinners, and be thankful that we have been 
exempted, by the favorableness of our condition in life, by 
pious relations, by education, by thy restraining and thy 
sanctifying grace, from so many temptations by which we 
might have been conquered. Who -made us to differ from 
another ; and what have we that we did not receive ? Amen. 



CXYIIL— FOR A CRIMINAL ABOUT TO SUFFER 
CAPITAL PUNISHMENT. 

Supreme Arbiter of the destinies of all beings, we would 
love thee, we would fear thee, we would worship thee ! By 
thee kings reign and princes decree justice. Civil govern- 
ments are thine ordinances, and magistrates bearing the 
sword, a praise to them that do well, and a terror to them 
that do evil, are thy servants. Bless, therefore, we beseech 
thee, the chief magistrate, the judges, and all the subordinate 
officers of justice in this commonwealth, and especially the 
appointed officers and witnesses of this solemn execution of 
the sentence of the law. Their duty is painful, but we trust 
they do it as the servants of justice, with feelings of tenderest 
compassion towards the sufferer. May they ever be faithful 
to the trusts committed to them, and execute the law with 
reference to that day when all cases of offence against human 
law shall be rejudged, and judges themselves shall be judged. 

Bless the spectators of this affecting scene ; and while our 
bosoms are agitated with trembling and almost conflicting 
emotions of a sense of the unyielding claims of justice, and 
of sympathy and compassion for the sufferer, may we be ex- 
cited to the high duty of endeavoring by example and active 
labors of philanthropy to save others from coming to this 
dreadful end. May this and all similar inflictions of punish- 
ment impose a salutary terror upon the wicked ; serve to di- 
minish crime ; and increase the security of life. And O, 
may law and justice be magnified before all the people and 
throughout the land. Amen. 

11 



BIBLE PRAYER BOOK. 242 

O Lord, in thy great mercy, look down upon him who is 
now about to suffer as an example to deter others from sin. 

He confesses he has been a great sinner, despising thy 
mercy and abusing thy goodness. He has neglected thy 
sabbaths, slighted the ministry of thy word, and the calls of 
thy providence. Thou hast called and he has refused. Thou 
hast stretched out thy hand in mercy all the day long and he 
has not regarded. O how just, therefore, if thou shouldst dis- 
regard his cry, when distress and anguish are come upon him. 
But thou hast given thy well beloved son that whosoever be- 
lieveth might not perish, but bare everlasting life. We have 
heard his confessions, as smiting on his breast he has exclaim- 
ed with the publican, " God be merciful to me a sinner." He 
hates his sins, he deplores his sinful life. He confesses the 
justice of punishment, and harbors ill will to none. For him 
we plead, for Jesus' sake, and we plead with hope. Pardon 
all the follies, the sins, the crimes of his life. Bury his sins 
in the grave, and let them not rise in judgment to condemn 
him ; but closing his eyes to this world may he open them 
upon a better. And having been forgiven much, may he love 
much, ascribing all glory to the Lamb that was slain. We 
plead for his sake who came into the world to save sinners ; 
who bore our sins in his own body on the tree ; who saved 
a Saul of Tarsus, and a repenting thief on the cross ; and who 
is able to save to the uttermost all that come to God by him. 
With pleasing hope we commend him to thee. May his 
body rest in peace, and have part in the blessed resurrection 
of life and glory. May his soul attain to everlasting happi- 
ness with all the blessed saints in the heavenly kingdom. O 
Lamb of God, we beseech thee to hear us! Lamb of God 
that takest away the sins of the world, have mercy upon him 
and save him eternally ! And now to the Father, Son and 
Holy Spirit we commend his soul for ever and ever. Amen 
and Amen. 



PRAYERS AT TABLE. 



CXIX.— BEFORE MEAT. 



Almighty God ! the eyes of all wait on thee, and thou giv- 
est them their meat in due season. Bless, we beseech thee, 
the provisions of thine earthly bounty which are now before 
us ; and let them nourish and strengthen our frail bodies, 
that we may the better serve thee, through Jesus Christ. 
Amen. 

Bountiful giver of every good and perfect gift ! Thou art 
never weary of supplying our returning wants — Grant, we 
pray thee, that the food, of which we are about to partake, 
may contribute to the comfort and support of our bodies, — 
and enable us to engage with more zeal in thy service : which 
we ask for Jesus Christ's sake. Amen. 

Let thy blessing, Almighty God, descend on this portion 
of thy bounty, and on us, thy unworthy servants, through 
Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 

Almighty God, we beseech thee to pardon our sins, to bless 
the refreshment now before us, to our use, and us to thy ser- 
vice, through Jesus Christ. Amen. 

Father of light, from whom cometh down every good and 
perfect gift, enable us to receive these fruits of thy bounty 
with humility and gratitude, and give us grace, that, whether 
we eat or drink, or whatever we do, we may do all to thy 
glory, and be accepted through the great Redeemer. Amen. 

Bounteous God, we acknowledge our dependence on thee, 
and our un worthiness of thy benefits. We pray thee to for- 
give our sins, to bless us in the reception of this food, and 
enable us to improve the strength we may derive from it to 
thy glory, for Christ's sake. Amen. 



244 BIBLE PRAYER BOOK. 



CXX.— AFTER MEAT. 

We thank thee, God, our heavenly Father ! for the in- 
numerable good gifts of thy providence. Especially do we 
thank thee for the rich provision, thou hast made for our 
souls. Accept our grateful acknowledgments for the food we 
have now received ; and enable us to prove our sincerity, by 
the holiness and obedience of our lives, for the sake of our 
Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. Amen. 

What shall we render to thee, God, for all thy benefits '? 
Every day of our lives we are receiving fresh tokens of thy 
favor. O let thy goodness lead us to repentance. And if we 
can do no more than express our gratitude — help us to do 
that in the sincerity of our souls — and thine shall be the 
glory for ever, through Jesus Christ. Amen. 

Accept, heavenly Father, our humble thanks for this and 
for all thy blessings, through Jesus Christ. Amen. 

We thank thee, our heavenly Father, for the rich provision 
thou hast made for our temporal and eternal welfare ; espe- 
cially for the food we have now received. May thy goodness 
lead us to repentance, and thy grace prepare us for heavenly 
entertainments, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 

We praise thee, O Lord, for the provisions of thy providence 
and grace, and in particular for this renewed token of thy 
favor. May we feel our increased obligations to be thine, 
and be fitted at length to eat bread in thy heavenly kingdom, 
through our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen. 

We bless thee, O Lord, for this kind refreshment. Be 
pleased to continue thy favors, and feed us with the bread 
of life. Supply the wants of the needy, and enable us, while 
we live on thy bounty, to live to thy glory, for Christ's sake. 
Amen, 



